Sample vessel rack, method for locking sample vessels in a sample vessel rack and sample vessel rack system

Abstract

A sample vessel rack (1), which comprises a frame (2) with a plurality of openings (3) in the upper surface of the frame for sample vessels (9), and a locking plate member (5) movable in a plane parallel to the upper surface of the frame (2) of the rack from a releasing position to a locking position and back, wherein the removal of the sample vessels (9) from the rack is prevented when the locking plate member is in the locking position, the openings (3) of the upper surface of the frame (2) comprises slots (12) formed on their side, and in the locking position a part of the locking plate member (5) sets itself in the area of the slots. The invention also relates to such a method and a sample vessel rack system.

1 .- 9 . (canceled) 
     
     
         10 . A method for locking a sample vessel in a sample vessel rack assembly, the method comprising inserting the sample vessel into the sample vessel rack assembly, the assembly comprising an upper surface with a plurality of openings, and the sample vessel is locked at its place in the sample vessel rack assembly by moving a locking plate member in a plane parallel to the upper surface of the sample vessel rack assembly, characterized in that the openings of the upper surface of a frame comprise slots formed on their side, and the locking is achieved by setting a part of a locking plate member in the area of the slots. 
     
     
         11 . A method according to  claim 10 , wherein the locking plate member is moved to a releasing position by placing the sample vessel rack assembly in a rack preparation apparatus or in an analyzer instrument, and the locking plate member is moved to a locking position by removing the sample vessel rack from a rack preparation apparatus or from an analyzer instrument. 
     
     
         12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . (canceled)