Tracking biological and other samples using RFID tags

Inventors

Davidowitz, Hananel

Assignees

BIOTILLION LLC

Abstract

RFID tags are affixed to vials used to store samples, such as biological samples stored in liquid nitrogen dewars or mechanical freezers. In one set of embodiments, an RFID tag is inserted into a recess at the bottom of a vial and held in place by an insert that engages with vial structure. In another set of embodiments, the RFID tag is retained in the recess by directly engaging with the vial structure and without using a separate insert. Mechanisms for keeping the insert and/or tag in place include tabs that gouge into the vial material, clips that allow the insert/tag to be inserted, but not removed, and holes in the side wall of the vial recess that receive tabs extending from the insert/tag. Tag-insertion techniques enable tags to be affixed to vials either before or after insertion of the sample, thereby enabling retrofitting of existing sample-storing vials with tags.

Core Innovation

The invention relates to systems and mechanisms for RFID-tagging and tracking biological and other samples stored in freezers and liquid-nitrogen dewars. A vial includes an upper enclosure configured to store a sample and recess-defining material defining a lower recess located below a bottom surface of the upper enclosure. A unique RFID tag is located within the lower recess, forming an RFID tag/vial assembly that is unambiguously distinguishable from every other RFID tag/vial assembly having its own unique RFID tag.

A retainer is configured to be inserted within the lower recess and engage an inner surface of the lower recess defined by the recess-defining material to retain the unique RFID tag located within the lower recess. The retainer has one or more rigid tabs configured to gouge into the inner surface of the lower recess, resulting in permanent deformation of the recess-defining material when attempting to remove the retainer. This permanent deformation prevents removal of the retainer from within the lower recess, thereby retaining the RFID tag within the lower recess between the retainer and the bottom surface of the vial's upper enclosure.

The invention further includes an RFID tag/vial assembly where an RFID tag is retained in a lower recess using a circular, metal spring surrounding the RFID tag, the circular, metal spring having one or more metal tabs that gouge into the inner surface of the lower recess and cause permanent deformation. The retainer construction also includes features for managing liquid nitrogen flow to avoid damage from violent decompression as the liquid nitrogen warms. In addition, cold-storage infrastructure is described that uses wireless power and data transfer for guided retrieval using hierarchical indicators and readers, together with RFID tag constructions including an annular bobbin loop antenna and a minimally invasive conduit for power and data through freezer interfaces.

Claims Coverage

The document excerpt provides two independent claims, each centered on retaining a unique RFID tag in a lower recess and preventing removal by permanent deformation of recess-defining material. Across the independent claims, the inventive features are a vial architecture with upper enclosure and lower recess, placement of a unique RFID tag in the lower recess, and a retention element that permanently deforms recess-defining material using gouging tabs.

Across the independent claims, the core coverage is an RFID tag/vial assembly in which a unique RFID tag is positioned in a lower recess of a vial, and the tag is retained against removal by a retention element, a retainer or a circular metal spring, whose gouging tabs permanently deform the recess-defining material.

Stated Advantages

Documented Applications