[0001] This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/450,015, filed March 7, 2011, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Laboratories often use microcentrifuges to process small liquid or solid samples. By spinning such samples at high speeds, the samples are exposed to centrifugal force which can separate liquids and solids of different densities within the sample. The samples may be loaded into small containers which are then loaded into receptacles in the microcentrifuge rotor. While some sample containers are glass and may be re-used after appropriate cleaning and/or sterilization, many laboratories utilize disposable plastic containers.

[0003] Microtubes and tubes are the most widely used disposable plastic containers in chemical, physical, and biological laboratories to hold samples. They are generally made of two parts: a cylindrical, hollow bottom piece and a slightly larger, round cap. While some microtube or tube designs utilize threaded caps, many microtube or tube designs feature flip-top caps that snap into place. Large numbers of microtubes and tubes may be used in laboratory settings. Microtubes and tubes may also be used for purposes other than centrifuging. In this application, for ease of reference, the term "microtube" may be used to refer to both types of sample tube (tube and microtube).

SUMMARY

[0004] I n one implementation, a tube holder module may be provided. The tube holder module may include a base unit with a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a top side located between the first side and the second side, and a bottom side located between the first side and the second side and opposite the top side. The tube holder module may also include a tube receptacle slot located on the bottom side and travelling in a first direction, and a first interface feature located on the first side, the first side substantially parallel to the first direction. [0005] In some further implementations, the tube holder module may be configured to be connected with another component to form a microtube holding rack and the first interface feature may be configured to interlock with a second interface feature on the other component. [0006] In some further implementations, the first interface feature may include one or more dovetail pins, one or more dovetail slots, or one or more dovetail slots and one or more dovetail pins. Alternatively or additionally, the first interface feature may include one or more T-slots, one or more T-pins, or one or more T-slots and one or more T-pins. [0007] In some further implementations, the tube holder module may include a second interface feature located on the second side, the second side substantially parallel to the first direction. The first interface feature and the second interface feature may be complements of each other. The first interface feature, when coupled to the second interface feature of a first other instance of the tube holder module, may oppose free movement of the tube holder module with respect to the first other instance of the tube holder module in a direction normal to the first side, and the second interface feature, when coupled to the first interface feature of a second other instance of the tube holder module, may oppose free movement of the tube holder module with respect to the second other instance of the tube holder module in a direction normal to the second side.

[0008] In some further implementations, the first interface feature may include one or more dovetail pins, and the second interface feature may include one or more dovetail slots with dimensions complementary to dimensions of the dovetail pins. In some further implementations, the first interface feature may additionally or alternatively include one or more T-pins, and the second interface feature may include one or more T-slots with dimensions complementary to the T-pins.

[0009] In some implementations, the first interface feature and the second interface feature may be the same. In an example of one such implementation, the first interface feature may include at least one dovetail pin and at least one dovetail slot. In another example of one such implementation, the first interface feature may include at least one T-pin and at least one T-slot. In some further implementations, the first interface feature may be oriented 180° from the second interface feature about an axis substantially normal to the bottom side. In some other further implementations, the first interface feature may be oriented 180° from the second interface feature about an axis substantially parallel to the first direction. [0010] In some implementations, the tube receptacle slot may be a substantially linear second T-slot with a major width, a minor width, a major height, and a minor height. In some such implementations, for example, the minor width may be between approximately 6mm and approximately 10mm and the major width may be larger than the minor width by at least 0.5mm. In another example of such a further implementation, the minor width may be approximately 10mm, and the major width may be larger than the minor width by at least 0.5mm.

[0011] In some implementations, the tube receptacle slot may travel entirely through the base unit in the first direction. In some other further implementations, the tube receptacle slot may be a blind slot in the first direction through a third side of the base unit, the third side located between the first side and the second side as well as between the top side and the bottom side. In some yet further

implementations, a fourth side of the base module opposite the third side may have a third interface feature which complements the first interface feature and/or the second interface feature and/or the third interface feature. [0012] In some further implementations, the tube holder module may have a substantially uniform cross-section in the first direction along the tube slot's length.

[0013] In some further implementations, the first interface feature may have a substantially uniform cross section along a second direction parallel to the first side, and the second interface feature may have a substantially uniform cross section along a third direction parallel to the second side. In some further implementations, the second direction and the third direction may be parallel to each other.

[0014] In some further implementations, the first interface feature may be configured to slidingly couple with the second interface feature of the first other instance of the tube holder module, and the second interface feature may be configured to slidingly couple with the first interface feature of the second other instance of the tube holder module. In some further implementations, the tube holder module may include a first positive stop, the first positive stop configured to limit sliding travel of the second interface feature of the first other instance of the tube holder module in one direction. [0015] In some implementations, the tube holder module may include a handle that protrudes from the tube holder module in a direction substantially normal to, and away from, the bottom side. In some further implementations, the handle may be movable between a first state and a second state, protrude, in the first state, from the tube holder module a first distance, and protrude, in the second state, from the tube holder module a second distance substantially further than the first distance. The first state may correspond with a collapsed, storage mode of the handle, and the second state may correspond with a deployed, handling mode of the handle. In some further implementations of the handle, the handle may be a movable lever connected with the tube holder module by a flexible joint. The flexible joint may be located on a top side of the tube holder module and may be proximate to one of the first side and the second side. The lever may have a length less than or substantially equal to a distance separating the first side and the second side. In another implementation of a handle, the handle may be a collapsible loop with a first dimension substantially normal to the bottom side and a second dimension orthogonal to the first dimension. When the handle is in the first state, the first dimension may be smaller than the second dimension, and when the handle is in the second state, the first dimension may be larger than the second dimension.

[0016] In some further implementations, the top side may be substantially flat. In some further implementations, the top side may have a concave depression to accommodate (receive) the bottom of a tube and facilitate stacking of tube holders and microtubes held by the tube holders. In some further implementations, the top side may be textured or configured to receive a label or to receive ink.

[0017] In some further implementations, the top side may have a fifth interface feature and the handle may have a sixth interface feature. The fifth interface feature and the sixth interface feature may complement each other, and the handle may be removably connected with the tube holder module when the fifth interface feature and the sixth interface feature are interlocked with one another.

[0018] In some further implementations, the top side may be approximately twice as long in the first direction as the top side is wide in a direction normal to the first direction.

[0019] In another implementation, a tube receptacle slot adapter may be provided. The tube receptacle slot adapter may be substantially uniform in cross section along a direction corresponding with the first direction when the tube receptacle slot adapter is installed in the tube receptacle slot of one of the implementations of a tube holder module described above. The tube receptacle slot adapter may have an outer surface with dimensions substantially matching the tube receptacle slot of the at least one tube holder module and an inner surface defining a second T-slot smaller than the outer surface and may be configured to slidably insert into the tube receptacle slot. [0020] In another implementation, a leg module may be provided. The leg module may include a leg module base unit with a leg module bottom side, a leg module top side, a leg module first side, and a leg module second side, the leg module first side opposite to the leg module second side, the leg module top side between the leg module first side and the leg module second side, and the leg module bottom side between the leg module first side and the leg module second side. The leg module may also include an interface feature, the interface feature complementing at least one of the first interface feature and the second interface feature of one of the implementations of a tube holder module described in this document. This interface feature may be located on the leg module first side. The leg module may also include at least one support leg, the support leg protruding from the leg module in a direction normal to the bottom side. In some further implementations, the leg module may include a second support leg, the second support leg protruding from the leg module in a direction normal to the bottom side. In some further implementations, the leg module may also include another interface feature, the other interface feature complementing at least one of the first interface feature and the second interface feature of the tube holder modules described herein. This interface feature may be located on the leg module second side.

[0021] In some implementations, label insert may be provided. The label insert may include a label area and two or more fingers, each finger normal to, and facing away from, the label area and separated from the closest other finger or fingers by a gap, the gap sized to substantially match the thickness of a divider in a microtube handling tray. In some further implementations, the label area may have a post protruding from the center of the label area and in a direction normal to, and away from, the label area. The post may feature two through-slots aligned with two orthogonal planes, wherein the orthogonal planes meet along an axis that is normal to the label area and passes through the center of the label area and wherein the fingers are formed by the portion of the post which is slotted. In some

implementations, the post may be a round tube.

[0022] In another implementation, a technique for securing and organizing one or more microtubes with lids and flanged tops may be provided. The technique may include sliding the flanged top of each microtube into the tube receptacle slot of a corresponding tube holder module (as described herein) such that the corresponding tube holder module prevents the lid of the microtube from opening. The technique may also include sliding a tube receptacle slot adapter (as described herein) into the tube receptacle slot of a first corresponding tube holder module of the one or more corresponding tube holder modules and sliding the flanged top of a microtube associated with the first corresponding tube holder into the second T-slot of the tube receptacle slot adapter. In some further implementations, the technique may include interlocking each first interface feature of the at least one first tube holder module with a second interface feature of a first other component and interlocking each second interface feature of the at least one first tube holder module with a second interface feature of a second other component. In some further

implementations, at least one of the first other component and the second other component may be one or more additional tube holder modules as described herein. In some further implementations, at least one of the first other component and the second other component may be a leg module as described herein. [0023] In one implementation, a tube rack kit may be provided which includes packaging including one or more tube holder modules as described herein, and one or more additional components configured to connect with the first interface feature of the one or more tube holder modules. In some further implementations, the one or more additional components may include one or more additional tube holder modules as described herein. In some further implementations, the one or more additional tube holder modules may all be the same. In some other further implementations, the one or more additional tube holder modules may include two or more different types or sizes of tube holder modules. In some further

implementations, the tube rack kit may include one or more tube receptacle slot adapters. In some further implementations, the tube rack kit may include one or more of the leg modules. In some further implementations, the tube rack kit may include one or more label inserts. In some further implementations, the tube rack kit may include written instructions for performing steps according to the techniques described herein.

DRAWINGS

[0024] Figs. 1A-1D depict side, front, top, and isometric views, respectively, of an example of a tube holder module base unit.

[0025] Figs. 2A-2D depict side, front, top, and isometric views, respectively, of an example of a tube holder module base unit with sloped sides.

[0026] Figs. 3A-3C depict front, top, and isometric views, respectively, of an example of a tube holder module.

[0027] Fig. 3D depicts an isometric view of the example of the tube holder module of Figs. 3A-3C holding a microtube. [0028] Fig. 3E depicts an isometric view of the example of the tube holder module of Fig. 3D with the microtube removed.

[0029] Figs. 4A and 4B show isometric exploded and isometric views, respectively, of examples of tube holder modules with perfect dimensionally complementary interface features. [0030] Figs. 5A and 5B show isometric exploded and isometric views, respectively, of examples of tube holder modules with imperfect dimensionally complementary interface features.

[0031] Figs. 6A-6D depict front, side, top, and isometric views, respectively, of an example of a detachable leg module for use with a tube holder module.

[0032] Figs. 7A-7D depict front, side, top, and isometric views, respectively, of examples of a detachable leg module for use with a tube holder module.

[0033] Figs. 8A-8D depict right, front, top, and isometric views, respectively, of an example of a tube holder module base unit with a folding handle in the storage configuration.

[0034] Figs. 9A-9D depict right, front, top, and isometric views, respectively, of an example of a tube holder module base unit with a collapsible handle in the deployed configuration.

[0035] Figs. 10A-10D depict right, front, top, and isometric views, respectively, of an example of a tube holder module base unit with a folding hoop handle in the storage configuration.

[0036] Fig. 10E depicts an exploded isometric view of the example of the tube holder module base unit and folding hoop handle.

[0037] Figs. 11A-11D depict right, front, top, and isometric views, respectively, of the example of a tube holder module base unit with a collapsible hoop handle in the deployed configuration.

[0038] Figs. 12A-12D depict right, front, top, and isometric views, respectively, of an example of a tube holder module base unit with a tube receptacle slot adapter installed. [0039] Fig. 12E depicts an isometric view of the example of the tube holder module base unit of Figs. 12A-12D with the tube receptacle slot adapter removed.

[0040] Figs. 13A-13D depict right, front, top, and isometric views, respectively, of an example of three tube holder modules and two detachable leg modules assembled to form a single tube holder assembly. [0041] Fig. 13E depicts an isometric exploded view of the example of the tube holder assembly of Figs. 13A-13D.

[0042] Figs. 14A-14C depict right, top, and isometric views, respectively, of a an example of a double-width tube holder module. [0043] Fig. 14D depicts an isometric view of the example of the double-width tube holder module of Figs. 14A-14C holding two microtubes.

[0044] Fig. 14E depicts an isometric view of the example of the double-width tube holder module and microtubes of Fig. 14D with the microtubes removed.

[0045] Figs. 15A-15D depict right, front, top, and isometric views, respectively, of an example of a tube holder module with dovetail interface features.

[0046] Figs. 16A-16D depict right, front, top, and isometric views, respectively, of an example of a tube holder module with double dovetail interface features.

[0047] Figs. 17A-17D depict right, front, top, and isometric views, respectively, of an example of a tube holder module with double dovetail interface features and a positive stop.

[0048] Figs. 18A-18D depict right, front, top, and isometric views, respectively, of an example of a tube holder module with dovetail interface features aligned with the tube receptacle slot.

[0049] Figs. 19A-19D depict right, front, top, and isometric views, respectively, of an example of a tube holder module with double dovetail interface features aligned with the tube receptacle slot.

[0050] Figs. 20A-20D depict right, front, top, and isometric views, respectively, of an example of a tube holder module with T-slot interface features.

[0051] Figs. 21A-21D depict right, front, top, and isometric views, respectively, of an example of a tube holder module with wide T-slot interface features.

[0052] Figs. 22A-22D depict right, front, top, and isometric views, respectively, of an example of a tube holder module with arbitrary and non-linear interface features. [0053] Figs. 23A-23E depict right, front, top, isometric, and bottom views, respectively, of an example of a tube holder module with a blind tube receptacle slot feature.

[0054] Fig. 23F depicts an isometric view of the bottom side of the example of the tube holder module of Figs. 23A-23E.

[0055] Figs. 24A-24D depict right, front, top, isometric, and bottom views, respectively, of an example of a tube holder module with a blind tube receptacle slot feature and a third interface feature on the back side.

[0056] Figs. 25A-25C depict isometric, alternate isometric, and isometric exploded views, respectively, of an example of a tube holder assembly using the tube holder modules of Figs. 24A-24D.

[0057] Figs. 26A and 26B depict top and isometric views, respectively, of an example of a microtube holding tray containing a single-width tube holder assembly and several double-width tube holder assemblies. [0058] Figs. 27A and 27B depict isometric views of an example of a microtube holding tray and various tube holder assemblies and microtubes.

[0059] Figs. 28A-28D depict side, bottom, top isometric, and bottom isometric views, respectively, of an example of a label insert.

[0060] Figs. 29A-29D depict side, bottom, isometric, and bottom isometric views, respectively, of another implementation of an example of a label insert.

[0061] Figs. 30A-30D depict side, bottom, isometric, and bottom isometric views, respectively, of another implementation of an example of a label insert.

[0062] Figs. 31A-31D depict side, front, top, and isometric views, respectively, of an example of a tube holder module with a slot for the ring handle of Figs. 29A-29D. [0063] Figs. 32A-32D depict side, front, top, and isometric views, respectively, of an example of a ring handle.

[0064] Figs. 33A and 33B depict exploded isometric and isometric views,

respectively, of an example of two tube holder assemblies joined, in part, by a ring handle. [0065] Fig. 34 depicts an isometric view of the example of the tube holder module of Figs. 15A-15D with additional annotations indicating various

regions/portions/directions which may serve as useful references for discussion.

[0066] Fig. 35 depicts a high-level block diagram showing various aspects of modular tube holder usage.

[0067] While the above figures are drawn to scale (aside from Fig. 33), this disclosure should not be interpreted to be limited to structures such as those shown in the above figures. Other configurations and geometries may be produced that satisfy the concepts outlined herein, and should be viewed as falling within the scope of this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] Examples of various embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described further below. It will be understood that the discussion herein is not intended to limit the claims to the specific embodiments described. On the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. The present invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well-known process operations have not been described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

[0069] The components and assemblies disclosed herein may be produced and sold individually, or as part of kits or bulk sales. The modular components described herein may be combined in various ways to produce different tube holder assemblies that may be flexibly reconfigured to produce other configurations of tube holder assemblies. As such, it is to be recognized that there may be a large number of different combinations and configurations of the components discussed herein, and that this disclosure should be read with the understanding that assembly configurations, as well as specific component configurations, may be produced other than those specifically disclosed that are still within the scope of this disclosure. Unless a combination of the components described herein is mechanically impossible or results in a significant degradation in structural soundness, this disclosure should be read as contemplating such a combination.

[0070] Many of the drawings referenced below are different perspective views of a common part; such drawings share a common numeric prefix and are differentiated by different alphabetic suffixes. To reduce visual clutter, features that are shown in one perspective view with a given numeric prefix may not be indicated in other perspective views associated with that numeric prefix. Such features may, however, still be referred to by the same enumerated callout in those other perspective views. [0071] It is also to be understood that the terms "first," "second," "third," and the like may be used as labels for various features described herein, and the use of any of these labels with respect to one implementation does not necessarily map to the use of the same label in another implementation, although, generally, the first and second interface features do refer to corresponding structures from implementation to implementation.

[0072] While frequent reference is made to microtubes within this document, the structures, assemblies, and methods disclosed below may be applicable to other sizes, i.e., non-microtube, of capped tubes that share similar features with the microtubes described herein, e.g., narrow bodies, flanged areas, and caps that snap onto the body near the flanged area. Not all tubes and microtubes usable with the disclosed structures, assemblies, and methods may be used with centrifuges, although many may be.

[0073] Figs. 1A-1D depict side, front, top, and isometric views, respectively, of an example of a tube holder module base unit. A tube holder module may include a base unit 102, that may be viewed as representing the basic overall tube holder module shape. The base unit 102 may include a bottom side 104, a top side 106, a first side 108, a second side 110, a front side 112, and a back side 114. The base unit 102 of Figs. 1A-1D is substantially a rectangular block with a generally square-shaped top side. Other geometry aspect ratios may be used as well, e.g., the top side may be rectangular instead of square-shaped to allow the tube holder module to accommodate different numbers of microtubes, as described in greater detail later in this document.

[0074] A tube receptacle slot 116 may travel along the bottom side 104 of the base unit 102. The tube receptacle slot 116 may have a T-shaped cross-section, i.e., be a T-slot. Other tube receptacle slot 116 cross-section shapes may be used as well, as long as they are configured to support the larger-diameter portion of a microtube from below, and prevent the microtube cap from opening when the microtube is inserted into the tube receptacle slot 116. The implementation of the tube receptacle slot 116 as a T-slot may be described as having a minor width 118, a major width 120, a minor height 122, and a major height 124. The minor width 118 may generally be less than the larger-diameter portion of a particular type of microtube, and the major width 120 may generally be more than the larger-diameter portion of the particular type of microtube. The minor height 122 may generally be approximately equal to the normal distance from the top of the particular microtube to the portion of the microtube that is supported by the tube receptacle slot 116. While the minor height 122 may be determined in this manner, the minor height may be set to other values as well (such as values which provide for some clearance between the top of the tube receptacle slot and the top of the microtube cap, which may allow for some variation in cap height— screw caps may benefit from such variation, as they may be tightened to different degrees).

[0075] The overall cross-sectional shape of the tube receptacle slot 116 may also be modified as needed to provide rounds, fillets, chamfers, or other minor features that do not detract from the overall shape of the tube receptacle slot 116 in a significant way. The base unit 116 may also be augmented with interface features, handles, and other features or add-on components, as described in greater detail below, to provide a system of modular components that may be used to provide for reconfigurable microtube holding racks. It is to be recognized that while the base unit 100 shown is essentially a rectangular block, other base shapes may be used as well in some implementations. For example, Figs. 2A-2D depict side, front, top, and isometric views, respectively, of an example of a tube holder module base unit with sloped sides. Such a slope-sided base unit may be similarly augmented to interface features, handles, etc. Other base unit geometries may be used as well.

[0076] It is to be understood that while the tube receptacle slot of a tube holder module may be sized to support a flanged microtube, the tube receptacle slot may also be used to hold unflanged microtubes by clamping the body of the microtube in the narrow portion of the tube receptacle slot. It is also to be understood that while a particular tube receptacle slot may be sized to fit a particular type of microtube, the same tube receptacle slot may be used to hold a variety of differently-sized microtubes. For example, a tube receptacle slot which has a minor height of approximately 2mm may be used with microtubes that have top-of-cap to support- surface distances of 2mm, 1mm, or other values less than 2mm.

[0077] Figs. 3A-3C depict front, top, and isometric views, respectively, of an example of a tube holder module. The tube holder module 300, in this

implementation, includes base unit 302, which includes a first interface feature 326 located on the first side 308 of the base unit 302 and a second interface feature 328 located on the second side 310 of the base unit 302. The first interface feature 326, in this implementation, is a dovetail pin that travels in a direction substantially normal to the bottom side 304 of the base unit 302. The second interface feature 328, in this implementation, is a dovetail slot with dimensions that complement the dimensions of the dovetail pin of the first interface feature 326.

[0078] It is to be understood that an interface feature that has complementary dimensions to another interface feature is an interface feature that can be interlocked with the other interface feature to prevent or resist relative movement of the interface features with respect to each other in a direction substantially normal to the plane or side on which the interface feature is located. It is not necessary for the interface feature to be an exact negative of the other interface feature, i.e., when the two interface features are interlocked, there may be openings or gaps between the two interface features. The two interface features may, nonetheless, prevent or resist relative movement of the interface features with respect to each other in a direction substantially normal to the plane or side on which the interface feature is located despite the presence of such gaps or openings. While the implementations shown herein typically feature interface features that are perfect dimensional complements of each other, i.e., no gaps or holes exist in the interface boundary when the interface features are interlocked, it is to be understood that the interface features disclosed herein could be replaced with interface features that are imperfect dimensional complements of each other, i.e., there are holes or gaps in the interface boundary. Interface features that are perfect dimensional complements of each other and interface features which are imperfect complements of each other are both considered to be contemplated as being potential options for implementing complementary interfaces for a tube holder module. It is to be understood that two interface features that cannot be

interlocked because they are located on the same component but that otherwise dimensionally complement each other may still be referred to as dimensional complements of each other. For example, if a component with such complementary interface features were to be cut in half such that each half included on of the complementary interface features, the two halves could be interlocked using the complementary interface features. It is also to be understood that "complement," "complementary," "dimensional complements," "complementary dimensions," and the like are used herein somewhat interchangeably.

[0079] Fig. 4A depicts an isometric view of an example of two tube holder modules 402 with first interface features 426 and second interface features 428 that are perfect dimensional complements of each other. Fig. 4B depicts an isometric view of the two tube holders 402 with one of the first interface features 426 interlocked with one of the second interface features 428. As can be seen, there is no apparent gap within the interface. [0080] Fig. 5A depicts an isometric view of an example of two tube holder modules 502 with first interface features 526 and second interface features 528 that are imperfect dimensional complements of each other. Fig. 5B depicts an isometric view of the two tube holders 502 with one of the first interface features 526 interlocked with one of the second interface features 528. As can be seen, there is a visible gap within the interface, but the two tube holder modules 502 are restrained from movement with respect to each other in the same manner as the two tube holders 402 are.

[0081] Fig. 3D depicts an isometric view of the tube holder module 300 of Figs. 3A- 3C holding a microtube 330. The microtube 330 may have a body 332, a flange 336, and a cap 334. Fig. 3E depicts an isometric view of the tube holder module 300 of Fig. 3D with the microtube 330 removed. As can be seen, the microtube 330 may be slid into or out of the tube receptacle slot 316. When the microtube 330 is slid into the tube receptacle slot 316, the cap 334 may be restrained from moving with respect to the body 332 and the flange 336. When the microtube 330 is slid out of the tube receptacle slot 316, the cap 334 may not be so restrained, and may be movable with respect to the body 332 and the flange 336.

[0082] Figs. 6A-6D depict front, side, top, and isometric views, respectively, of an example of a detachable leg module 638 for use with a tube holder module (see, e.g., tube holder module 300). Figs. 7A-7D depict front, side, top, and isometric views, respectively, of an example of a similar detachable leg module 638 for use with a tube holder module. The detachable leg modules 638 of Figs. 6A-6D and Figs. 7A-7D may be substantially similar, although each may feature a different interface feature. For example, one version of the detachable leg module 638 may, as shown in Figs. 6A-6D, be equipped with a first interface feature 626, and the other version of the detachable leg module 638 may, as shown in Figs. 7A-7D, be equipped with a second interface feature 628. As with the tube holder module of described above, the first interface feature and the second interface feature may have complementary dimensions. In some implementations (not shown), the detachable leg module 638 may feature both a first interface feature and a second interface feature on the opposite side of the detachable leg module from the first interface feature, allowing the detachable leg module to serve as a connector between two neighboring tube holder modules. The interface feature(s) of the detachable leg module 638 may be sized similarly to the interface features used on tube holder modules to allow for the detachable leg modules 638 to be connected with the tube holder modules. Each detachable leg module 638 may include one or more legs 639, which may support the detachable leg module 638 and any connected tube holder modules and microtubes from below. In some implementations, the detachable leg modules may include features configured to receive the legs of other detachable leg modules to allow tube holder assemblies with leg modules attached to be stacked one atop another in a manner which prevents or resists one tube holder assembly from slipping off of another tube holder assembly. For example, the detachable leg module may feature recesses in the top surface which are sized to receive the legs of other detachable leg modules.

[0083] Figs. 8A-8D depict right, front, top, and isometric views, respectively, of an example of a tube holder module base unit with a folding handle in the storage configuration. The base unit 802 may be similar to the base unit 102 shown in Figs. 1A-1D. A handle, e.g., lever handle 842, may be attached to top side 806 of the base unit 802. The lever handle 842 may be formed as an integral part of the base unit 802, or may be separately manufactured and attached later. For example, the level handle 842 may be bonded, thermally fused, or otherwise permanently attached to the base unit 802. Alternatively, the lever handle 842 may be removably attached to the base unit 802 (see, for example, a similar handle attachment shown in Figs. 10A- 10D and Figs. 11A-11D).

[0084] Figs. 9A-9D depict right, front, top, and isometric views, respectively, of the tube holder module base unit 802 with the folding handle 842 in the deployed configuration, rather than the stored configuration, i.e., folded flat, as shown in Figs. 8A-8D.

[0085] Figs. 10A-10D depict right, front, top, and isometric views, respectively, of an example of a tube holder module base unit with a collapsible hoop handle in the storage configuration. The base unit 1002 may be similar to the base unit 102 shown in Figs. 1A-1D. A collapsible hoop handle 1044 may be attached to the base module 1002. The collapsible hoop handle 1044 may be permanently affixed to the base module 1002, or may be removably attached. For example, a third interface feature 1060 may be located on the top side of the base module 1002, and a complementary fourth interface feature 1062 may be provided on a surface or face of the collapsible hoop handle 1044. The fourth interface feature 1062 may be inserted into the third interface feature 1060 and may secure the collapsible hoop handle 1044 to the base unit 1002. Fig. 10E depicts an isometric view showing the collapsible hoop handle 1044 withdrawn from the third interface feature 1060. Figs. 11A-11D depict right, front, top, and isometric views, respectively, of the tube holder module base unit 1002 with the collapsible hoop handle 1044 in the deployed configuration, as compared with the stowed configuration depicted in Figs. 10A-10D.

[0086] The handles discussed in this document may be collapsible, as disclosed above, or may be rigid/uncollapsible. Collapsible handles may be designed to collapse when the lid of a storage tray containing the tube holder module with the handle is closed. [0087] Figs. 12A-12D depict right, front, top, and isometric views, respectively, of an example of a tube holder module base unit with a tube receptacle slot adapter installed. Microtubes are typically offered in a range of different sizes. Some of these sizes are different diameters. For example, microtubes may be offered in 10mm, 8mm, and 6mm sizes. A tube holder module base unit 1202 may feature a tube receptacle slot 1216 that is sized to accommodate a larger microtube size, e.g., an 8mm diameter microtube. By inserting a tube receptacle slot adapter 1246 in the tube receptacle slot 1216, the tube receptacle slot 1216 may be effectively reduced in size to accommodate smaller sizes of microtubes, e.g., 6mm microtubes. This allows multiple sizes of microtubes to be held by identical tube holder modules— the adapter can be used to accommodate the dimensional differences between the tube receptacle slot 1216 designed for the larger size of microtube and a tube receptacle slot that is actually sized specifically for the smaller size of microtube.

[0088] An alternative approach for handling different sizes of microtubes may be to utilize a flexible material for the support portions, e.g., the portions which define the minor width, of the tube holder module. Such a flexible support portion may be capable of flexing to accommodate different diameters of microtubes. The flexible support portions may pinch the microtube, allowing the microtube to be supported via friction with the side surfaces (defining the minor width) rather than directly supported by the top surfaces of the support portions. [0089] Fig. 12E depicts an isometric view of the tube holder module base unit 1202 of Figs. 12A-12D with the tube receptacle slot adapter 1246 removed. As can be seen, the tube receptacle slot adapter 1246 may have an outer surface that dimensionally complements the tube receptacle slot 1216, and an inner surface essentially defines a smaller tube receptacle slot sized for the smaller size of microtube. A tube receptacle slot adapter 1246 may be sized to extend substantially through the entire base unit, or may be sized to only extend partway through the entire base unit 1202. For example, if the base unit 1202 is a double-wide base unit, as described later in this document, the tube receptacle slot adapter 1246 may be sized to only extend through half of the base unit 1202. This allows a double-wide base unit to accommodate two differently-sized microtubes in the same structure. Moreover, the tube receptacle slot adapter 1246 may be used or not used for each base unit 1202/tube holder module in a tube holder assembly, allowing a single tube holder assembly to holder different sizes of microtube. Conventional tube racks do not support fitted storage of different microtube sizes.

[0090] Figs. 13A-13D depict right, front, top, and isometric views, respectively, of an example of three tube holder modules and two detachable leg modules assembled to form a single tube holder assembly. As can be seen, the three tube holder modules 1300 are identical, except that the center tube holder module 1300 is also equipped with a hoop handle 1344. The three tube holder modules may be joined together by sliding dovetail pin first interface features 1326 into dovetail slot second interface features 1328. Two leg modules (one featuring the dovetail pin first interface 1326, and the other featuring the dovetail slot second interface 1328) 1338 may be attached to the ends of the three-module assembly. Three microtubes 1330 may be slid into tube receptacle slots 1316 of the three tube holder modules 1300. Fig. 13E depicts an isometric exploded view of the tube holder assembly of Figs. 13A-13D.

[0091] Figs. 14A-14C depict right, top, and isometric views, respectively, of an example of a double-width tube holder module. As mentioned previously, the base unit used for the tube holder module may take a variety of shapes. One such alternate shape is a double-width base unit 1402. Base unit 1402 is essentially the same size as the base unit 102, but is twice as thick in the direction in which the tube receptacle slot 1416 travels. While the tube holder module 1400 features only one first interface feature and one second interface feature on each side, other implementations may feature multiple instances of the first interface feature and the second interface feature. This may allow a double-width tube holder module to connect to two single-width tube holder modules on the same side. Fig. 14D depicts an isometric view of the double-width tube holder module 1400 of Figs. 14A-14C holding two microtubes 1430. Fig. 14E depicts an isometric view of the double- width tube holder module 1400 and the microtubes 1430 of Fig. 14D with the microtubes 1430 removed.

[0092] Figs. 15A-15D depict right, front, top, and isometric views, respectively, of an example of a tube holder module 1500 with dovetail pin and dovetail slot first interface features and second interface features, respectively. Such tube holder modules may be made from a variety of different processes, including injection molding, extrusion and machining, stamping, etc. In the implementation shown, the tube holder module 1500 is configured to be chained together with other compatible components by sliding the tube holder module 1500 in a direction normal to the bottom side with respect to the mating component.

[0093] Figs. 16A-16D depict right, front, top, and isometric views, respectively, of an example of a tube holder module 1600 with double dovetail interface features. The tube holder module 1600 may be made in a manner similar to the tube holder module 1500. One additional feature offered by the tube holder module 1600 is that the tube holder module 1600 may be mated to neighboring tube holder modules or other compatible components regardless of whether the first interface feature or the second interface feature is used. This is because the first interface feature and the second interface feature in this implementation are the same. [0094] Figs. 17A-17D depict right, front, top, and isometric views, respectively, of an example of a tube holder module 1700 with double dovetail interface features and a positive stop. The tube holder module 1700 is similar to the tube holder module 1600, except that the dovetail pins and dovetail slots do not extend completely through the tube holder module 1600. This provides a positive stop that prevents the interface features from sliding too far with respect to each other during assembly. Due to the rather small geometries involved, and the sharp corners, the pictured implementation may be most effectively produced via injection molding, although other manufacturing techniques may also be used if compatible with the geometry shown, or if the geometry shown is modified to make the component more suitable for manufacture using other techniques. [0095] Figs. 18A-18D depict right, front, top, and isometric views, respectively, of an example of a tube holder module 1800 with dovetail interface features aligned with the tube receptacle slot. The implementation shown allows for the tube holder module 1800 to be interfaced with other components by sliding the tube holder module 1800 in a direction parallel to the tube receptacle slot 1816. As can be seen in Fig. 18B, this geometry results in a constant cross-section throughout the tube holder module, rendering it suitable for production using an extrusion process coupled with a parting process. This geometry may also result in less chance of shifting of one tube holder module 1800 with respect to another, as compared, for example, with tube holder modules 1500, since the sliding direction is generally orthogonal to any acceleration provided by gravity.

[0096] Figs. 19A-19D depict right, front, top, and isometric views, respectively, of an example of a tube holder module 1900 with double dovetail interface features aligned with the tube receptacle slot. This implementation is direction-independent, as with tube holder module 1600, and also features the sliding directionality of the tube holder module 1800. The tube holder module 1900 may also be well-suited for extrusion and parting techniques for manufacture.

[0097] Figs. 20A-20D depict right, front, top, and isometric views, respectively, of an example of a tube holder module with T-slot interface features. Figs. 21A-21D depict right, front, top, and isometric views, respectively, of a tube holder module with wide T-slot interface features. Figs. 22A-22D depict right, front, top, and isometric views, respectively, of a tube holder module with free-form interface features. As can be seen, there are a wide variety of interface features which may be used on a base unit of a tube holder module— it is to be understood that while this disclosure has provided many specific examples, there are many more possible ways in which interface features may be provided, and it is to be understood that these other features are contemplated as being within the scope of this disclosure. [0098] Figs. 23A-23E depict right, front, top, isometric, and bottom views, respectively, of an example of a tube holder module 2300 with a blind tube receptacle slot feature. The tube holder module 2300 is constructed to allow a microtube to be inserted into tube slot receptacle 2316, but the back wall of the blind tube receptacle slot 2316 prevents the microtube from being pushed all the way through the tube holder module. This may make installing the microtubes into the tube holder modules 2300 easier, since the back wall provides tactile feedback to the user when the microtube has been completely inserted. Fig. 23F depicts an isometric view of the bottom side of the tube holder module of Figs. 23A-23E. [0099] Figs. 24A-24D depict right, front, top, and isometric views, respectively, of an example of a tube holder module 2400 with a blind tube receptacle feature. The tube holder module 2400 has double dovetail interface features similar to tube holder module 1600, but also has additional double dovetail interface features on the back side of the tube holder module 2400. This may allow for tube holder modules 2400 to be joined back-to-back as well as side-to-side. Figs. 25A-25C show isometric, bottom isometric, and isometric exploded views of a tube holder module assembly with eight tube holder modules 2400 and two leg modules. As can be seen, the eight tube holder modules 2400 are interlocked in two rows of four, with the two rows of four interlocked along their backsides. [0100] Figs. 26A and 26B depict top and isometric views, respectively, of an example of a microtube holding tray 2656 containing a single-width tube holder assembly 2664 and several double-width tube holder assemblies 2666. The tray 2656 may be sized to accommodate a predetermined maximum number of tube holder modules without substantial gaps between the tube holder modules or the walls of the tray 2656. As can be seen, the large surface area formed by the joining of the tube holder modules into the single-width tube holder assembly 2664 or the double- width tube holder assembly 2666 provides a convenient location for labeling the microtubes held by either assembly. Such labels may be written direction on the surface area using, for example, an indelible marker, or written on labels or tape that are then applied on the surface area. This is far easier that attempting to write such labels on the curved (and often small) surfaces of the microtubes themselves, or on pieces of tape adhered to the microtubes, which may fall off due to the poor adhesion interface.

[0101] Figs. 27A and 27B depict isometric views of an example of a microtube holding tray 2756 and various tube holder assemblies and microtubes 2730. The tray 2756 includes dividers 2758, which may form grid cells which match the dimensions of the base units used in some of the various tube holder assemblies 2768. Some of the microtubes 2730 may be inserted into base units 2702 that do not have interface features on any side— these base units 2702 prevent the cap of the microtubes from opening, but may not interlock with other base units. While this is one possible implementation, the tube holder modules shown without interface features in this particular example are simplified representations and may, in practice, include such interface features (allowing, for example, a group of six tube holder modules to be clipped together and be lifted by a single handle on one of the tube holder modules).

[0102] Other base units 2702 may have interface features and may be assembled into tube holder assemblies, such as the single-width, 10-module tube holder assembly 2764 and the double-width, 8-module tube holder assembly 2766. Also shown is a label insert 2770, that may be inserted over a quartet of divider cells to provide a labeling surface which may be left in the tray 2756 when the tube holder assemblies are removed. As can be seen, it is not always the case that a tube holder module will have interface features on both sides— in some cases, "endcap" tube holder modules 2780 may be provided that have either the first interface feature on the first side or the second interface feature on the second side, but not both.

[0103] One benefit of the modular tube holder assemblies shown is that the microtubes secured by each assembly may remain grouped even if the tray containing the assemblies is knocked over or otherwise disturbed. This may prevent mixing up of samples (especially if the samples are unlabeled), and simplifies picking up the mess since the tubes will be clustered in subgroups. The tube holder assemblies also benefit from being able to be tailored to a size which is appropriate to the number of microtubes in a common group. Another benefit is that the tube holder assemblies allow a common group of microtubes to be easily removed from a storage tray without having to individually pluck each microtube from a crowded and tightly-packed storage rack.

[0104] Figs. 28A-28D depict side (the part is radially symmetric), bottom, isometric, and bottom isometric views, respectively, of an example of a label insert 2870. Slots 2872 in central column 2874 may allow the label insert 2870 to be inserted over a junction point between four neighboring divider cells. I n some implementations, the slots 2872 may be longer and may allow the edge of the square portion to contact the dividers when installed. The central column 2874 may protrude from labeling area 2878. [0105] Figs. 29A-29D depict side (the part is radially symmetric), bottom, isometric, and bottom isometric views, respectively, of an example of a label insert 2970. Slots 2972 in central column 2974 may allow the label insert 2970 to be inserted over a junction point between four neighboring divider cells. Central column 2974 may, for example, be composed of multiple "fingers" or subcolumns with arcuate cross- sections that are closely grouped to form the central column 2974. The central column 2974 may protrude from labeling area 2978.

[0106] Figs. 30A-30D depict side (the part is radially symmetric), bottom, isometric, and bottom isometric views, respectively, of an example of a label insert 3070. Slots 3072 in central column 3074 may allow the label insert 3070 to be inserted over a junction point between four neighboring divider cells. Central column 3074 may, for example, be composed of multiple "fingers" or subcolumns with flat cross-sections that are closely grouped to form the central column 3074. The central column 3074 may protrude from labeling area 3078. Other finger cross-section geometries and patterns are also envisaged. [0107] Figs. 31A-29D depict right, front, top, and isometric views, respectively, of an example of a tube holder module 3100 similar to tube holder module 1900, but with a third interface feature 3160 on the top side 3106. The third interface feature 3160, in this case, is a single dovetail slot which passes through the tube holder module 3100. Alternate implementations may feature a third interface feature 3160 which only runs partly through the tube holder module 3100. [0108] Figs. 32A-30D depict right, front, top, and isometric views, respectively, of an example of a ring handle 3276, which may include a fourth interface feature 3262. In some implementations, fourth interface feature 3262 may not be attached to a handle at all, and may be provided simply as a strip or other minimal structure which incorporates the fourth interface feature 3262.

[0109] Figs. 33A and 33B depict isometric and isometric exploded views,

respectively, of an example of a tube holder assembly formed by six tube holder modules 3100. The six tube holder modules 3100 are joined into two subassemblies of three tube holder modules 3100 each using the tube holder module 3100's first and second interface features. The two strips of three tube holder modules 3100 are then joined together, back-to-back or back-to-front, by inserting the fourth interface feature 3262 of a ring handle 3276 into the third interface feature 3160 of the tube holder modules 3100. The fourth interface feature 3262 bridges between the two strips of three tube holder modules 3100. For added support, double-width leg modules 3338 may be fastened to the ends of the strips of tube holder modules to provide further structure. As can be seen, the leg modules 3338 feature interface features on both sides of the leg module, rather than only on one side as shown in Figs. 6A-7D.

[0110] The tube holder modules and other components discussed herein may be manufactured using a variety of materials and techniques. For example, polymers and other plastics, such as Teflon, nylon, polypropylene, polyethylene, etc., may be used. In some cases, the tube holder modules and other components may be provided using different base colors of material, e.g., red to indicate blood samples, yellow to indicate urine samples, green to indicate processed samples, etc. In some implementations, the tube holder modules may be pre-numbered or pre-labeled with other codes or with labeled blanks to be filled in by users. Other materials may be used for various components as well. For example, the collapsible handles discussed above may be made from the materials disclosed above, or other materials, such as rubber or spring-embedded plastics. In some implementations, the tube holder modules and other components discussed herein may be made of other, non-polymeric materials, such as, for example, metal. For example, in one implementation, the tube holder module may be formed by stamping a piece of metal into a C-shaped part with interface features on the top and/or bottom portions of the "C."

[0111] As mentioned above, various manufacturing techniques may be used to produce the tube holder modules and other components described herein.

Extrusion processes may be used to produce long, continuous profiles which include the overall cross-sectional shape of the base unit and, if appropriate, the tube receptacle slot. In some cases, a single extrusion can also form the interface features required. After extrusion, the extruded material can be parted off to produce individual tube holder modules of the desired width. In other

implementations, the tube holder modules may be produced using an injection molding process. Various other techniques may be used as well.

[0112] The tube holder modules and other components discussed in this document may be assembled into kits for resale. The kits may include a selection of different parts, or may include only a plurality of the same part. The various combinations of parts which may be used to produce a kit are effectively infinite. However, some basic combinations of parts may generally describe at least some of these kits.

[0113] For example, a kit may include a plurality of tube holder modules sized to be interlocked with each other, as well as two appropriately-sized leg modules configured to interlock with the ends of a tube holder assembly formed by interlocking the provided tube holder modules together. Figs. 13A-13E, discussed previously, provide an example of a 3-module kit in assembled form (and exploded), although other numbers of modules may be included, e.g., 4, 6, 8, 10-module kits (and so on). [0114] A kit may also include a tube holder module or other component which is configured to connect with (or which is connected with) a handle. The kit may otherwise include components such as those discussed above.

[0115] In some kits, there may not be any leg modules, but there may be a number of tube holder modules. These kits may sometimes include two "endcap" tube holder modules with interface features on only one side. [0116] The kits may also include labels sized to fit the assembled tube holder assembly, and/or label inserts.

[0117] Fig. 34 depicts an isometric view of the tube holder module 1500 with additional annotations indicating various regions/portions/directions which may serve as useful references for discussing various features of the tube holder module 1500, as well as other implementations. It should also be noted that the first side and the second side may be swapped in some implementations.

[0118] I nstructions for use may also be included with the kits. For example, the instructions may outline a technique 3500 as depicted in the high-level flow diagram of Fig. 35. The technique starts in block 3502. I n block 3504, any microtubes which are to be stored using tube holder modules may be closed. If the tube holder modules to be used are a larger size than the microtubes to be held, a tube receptacle slot adapter may be installed in the relevant tube holder modules in block 3506 (this is optional if no adaptation is needed). The closed microtubes may be slid into the tube receptacle slots of the tube holder modules in block 3508. Tube holder modules may also be interconnected with one another or with other components, such as leg modules, to form a tube holder assembly by interlocking the first interface features and the second interface features (or similar interface features) of tube holder modules together, as shown in block 3510. If desired, blocks 3508 and 3506 (if performed) may be performed after block 3510. After the tube holder modules have been assembled into a tube holder assembly, the tube holder assembly may be labeled across the top surfaces of the assembly. The technique may end in block 3514 after the tube holder assembly is completed and labeled, although other actions may be taken as well, such as placing the tube holder assembly in a storage tray, reconfiguring the assembly by adding or removing modules, or inserting/removing/replacing microtubes held by the assembly.

[0119] Label inserts, if included, may be inserted at a junction between divider walls in a divided storage tray (or removable dividers for an undivided storage tray). The label insert(s) may be installed in the tray/dividers such that two orthogonal divider walls slide into the slots, and the label insert is substantially centered over the divider wall junction. Label inserts and tube holder assemblies may be separately removed from a storage tray.

[0120] It will be further understood that unless features in any of the particular disclosed implementations are expressly identified as incompatible with one another or the surrounding context implies that they are mutually exclusive and not readily combinable in a complementary and/or supportive sense, the totality of this disclosure contemplates and envisions that specific features of those complementary implementations can be selectively combined to provide one or more

comprehensive, but slightly different, technical solutions. It will therefore be further appreciated that the above description has been given by way of example only and that modifications in detail may be made within the scope of the invention.