Systems, tool and methods for poping a sample sample

Abstract

A system for ejecting a sample sample is disclosed, the system including a tray having a plurality of tray guide members and a plurality of holders configured to hold the sample sample. The system includes an ejector tool configured to eject the sample of the sample. The ejector tool includes: a base; a plurality of protruding members positioned on the base and extending away from the base; and a plurality of ejector guide members positioned on and extending away from the base and configured to engage the plurality of tray guide members of the tray to position the plurality of protruding members relative to a sample sample held in the tray. The plurality of protruding portions are configured to be inserted into the plurality of holders of the tray such that the plurality of protruding portions eject the sample from the plurality of holders.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 428,651, filed on November 29, 2022, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an ejector tool and system for ejecting specimen samples and methods thereof. Background Art

[0003] When a sample is tested, the sample can be kept in the tray. When the test of the sample is completed or the sample is no longer needed, it may be necessary to remove or eject the sample from the tray. However, removing the sample individually from the tray may be time-consuming and inefficient, especially over an extended period of time. In addition, since many sample samples may be kept in the tray at the same time, removing each sample individually from the tray may involve repeated pliers movements. These repeated pliers movements can cause ergonomic problems for the user removing the sample and increase the risk of injury. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In at least one exemplary embodiment, an ejector tool for ejecting a sample includes: a base; a plurality of protruding members positioned on the base and extending away from the base; and a plurality of ejector guide members positioned on the base and extending away from the base and configured to engage a corresponding plurality of tray guide members of a tray for sample samples to position the plurality of protruding members relative to the sample samples held in the tray. The plurality of protruding members are configured to be inserted into the tray for sample samples to eject the sample samples from the tray.

[0005] In another exemplary embodiment, a system for ejecting a sample includes: a tray having a plurality of tray guide members and a plurality of holders configured to hold the sample; an ejector tool configured to eject the sample, the ejector tool having: a base; a plurality of protruding members positioned on the base and extending away from the base; and a plurality of ejector guide members positioned on the base and extending away from the base and configured to engage the plurality of tray guide members of the tray to position the plurality of protruding members relative to the sample held in the tray. The plurality of protruding portions are configured to be inserted into the plurality of holders of the tray so that the plurality of protruding portions eject the sample from the plurality of holders.

[0006] Another exemplary embodiment includes a method for ejecting a sample using a system comprising: a tray having a plurality of tray guide members and a plurality of holders configured to hold the sample; and an ejector tool having: a base; a plurality of protruding members positioned on and extending away from the base; and a plurality of ejector guide members positioned on and extending away from the base and configured to engage the plurality of tray guide members of the tray to position the plurality of protruding members relative to the sample held in the tray. The method includes: aligning the tray with the ejector tool by engaging the plurality of tray guide members with the plurality of ejector guide members; and moving the tray and the ejector tool relative to each other so that the plurality of protruding members engage the plurality of holders and initiate ejection of the sample from the plurality of holders. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The present disclosure will be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements unless otherwise specified, and in which:

[0008] Figure 1A is a side perspective view of a system including an ejector tool engaged with a tray of specimen samples;

[0009] Figure 1B is a side perspective view of a system including an ejector tool engaged with a tray of specimen samples in different positions;

[0010] Figure 2 is another side perspective view of the system including an ejector tool engaged with a tray of specimen samples;

[0011] Figure 3 yes Figure 1A Top view of the ejector tool;

[0012] Figure 4 is a side perspective view of an ejector tool according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0013] Figure 5 is another side perspective view of an ejector tool according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0014] Figure 6 is a bottom view of an ejector tool according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0015] Figure 7A yes Figure 1A A perspective view of a tray without a cover;

[0016] Figure 7B yes Figure 1Aa perspective view of the tray with the lid; and

[0017] Figure 8 is a flow chart illustrating a method for ejecting a specimen sample using a system including an ejector tool, according to an illustrative embodiment.

[0018] It should be appreciated that the drawings are schematic representations for illustrative purposes. The drawings are provided for the purpose of illustrating one or more specific implementations, with the explicit understanding that the drawings will not be used to limit the scope of the meaning of the claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The following is a more detailed description of various concepts related to the methods and apparatus and specific implementations of the methods and apparatus, as well as a system for providing an ejector tool for ejecting a specimen. The various concepts introduced above and discussed in more detail below can be implemented in any of a number of ways, as the described concepts are not limited to any particular manner of implementation. Examples of specific implementations and applications are provided primarily for illustrative purposes.

[0020] I. Overview

[0021] For example, during the testing of a sample, the sample may be held in a tray. The tray may contain many different sample items. After the testing of the sample is completed or the sample is no longer needed, it may be necessary to remove or eject the sample from the tray. However, removing samples individually from the tray can be time-consuming, especially over an extended period of time, thereby reducing efficiency. Furthermore, removing sample items individually from the tray requires the user to perform repetitive pliers movements, which can cause ergonomic problems for the user.

[0022] Specific embodiments described herein relate to a system for ejecting a sample sample. The system includes a tray having multiple tray guide members and multiple holders configured to hold the sample sample. The system includes an ejector tool configured to eject the sample sample. The ejector tool includes a base, multiple protruding members positioned on the base and extending away from the base, and multiple ejector guide members positioned on the base and extending away from the base. The multiple ejector guide members are configured to engage the multiple tray guide members of the tray, thereby positioning the multiple protruding members relative to the sample sample held in the tray. The multiple protrusions are configured to insert into the multiple holders of the tray so that the multiple protrusions eject the sample sample from the multiple holders. In this way, when inserted into the multiple holders, the multiple protrusions eject the sample sample from the multiple holders simultaneously. Therefore, the user does not need to remove each sample sample individually. In addition, ejecting the sample sample from multiple holders simultaneously is more efficient because the user can perform additional tests in a shorter time. In addition, the user experiences less repetitive pliers movements, which helps reduce discomfort and the risk of injury.

[0023] II. Overview of Example Systems and Tools for Ejecting Samples

[0024] With reference generally to the accompanying drawings, Figures 1A to 7B Depicted is a system 100 (e.g., components, etc.) for ejecting sample specimens (e.g., biological samples, test tubes, vials, etc.) Compared to other systems that require each sample specimen to be removed individually, the system 100 can be used to more efficiently eject sample specimens by enabling all sample specimens to be ejected simultaneously.

[0025] Figure 1A Depicted is a side perspective view of the system 100 including the ejector tool 102 engaged with a tray 202 of specimen samples. Figure 1B A side perspective view of a system 100 is depicted, comprising an ejector tool 102 engaged with a tray 202 of sample specimens such that the tray 202 has a substantially uniform orientation relative to the ejector tool 102. Figure 1A Compared to different locations. Figure 2 Another side perspective view of the system 100 is depicted, including the ejector tool 102 engaged with a tray 202 of sample specimens. Figures 1A to 2The system 100 for ejecting a sample includes an ejector tool 102. The ejector tool 102 is configured to eject the sample. In some embodiments, the ejector tool 102 completely ejects the sample; in other embodiments, the ejector tool 102 can partially eject the sample or displace it. The ejector tool 102 includes a base 104 (e.g., a body, a block, etc.). The base 104 is configured to support components of the ejector tool 102. In some embodiments, the base 104 can be configured to be grasped by a user (e.g., a laboratory technician, etc.). In other embodiments, the base 104 is configured to be placed on or coupled to a work surface (e.g., a laboratory bench, a workstation, a counter, etc.) (e.g., attached, fixed, welded, fastened, riveted, adhesively attached, bonded, pinned, etc.).

[0026] Figure 3 Depicts Figure 1A Top view of ejector tool 102. Figure 4 Depicted is a side perspective view of an ejector tool 102 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Figure 5 Depicted is another side perspective view of the ejector tool 102 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Figure 6 A bottom view of the ejector tool 102 is depicted in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Figures 1A to 6 In some embodiments, the base 104 includes a plurality of sides 106 and a plurality of corners 108, each of the plurality of corners 108 being disposed between one side and another side of the plurality of sides 106. The plurality of sides 106 and the plurality of corners 108 can define a shape of the base 104. For example, the plurality of sides 106 and the plurality of corners 108 can be arranged so that the base 104 has a rectangular shape. However, the plurality of sides 106 and the plurality of corners 108 are not limited to a rectangular shape and can be configured into other orientations and shapes. Furthermore, in some embodiments, each of the plurality of sides 106 has the same shape and height, while in other embodiments, each side can have a different shape and height (e.g., a curved side, a rectangular side, a flat side, an elevated side, etc.). The plurality of sides 106 and the plurality of corners 108 can also define a base surface 110. In some embodiments, the base surface 110 is flat. Furthermore, the base surface 110 can be a continuous surface, while in other embodiments, the base surface 110 can include openings 122 (e.g., slots, etc.), such as Figure 6 shown.

[0027] refer to Figures 1A to 5 In some embodiments, the ejector tool 102 includes a plurality of protruding members 112 (eg, protrusions, rods, etc.). The plurality of protruding members 112 are positioned on the base 104 and extend away from the base. For example, referring to Figure 1A, a plurality of protruding members 112 extend vertically away from the base 104. In some embodiments, the plurality of protruding members 112 can be removed and replaced from the base 104 because the prongs of each of the plurality of protruding members 112 fit into the opening 122 of the base 104, and any number of the plurality of protruding members 112 can be removed and replaced. In some embodiments, the plurality of protruding members 112 are coupled to or integrally formed with the base 104. In some embodiments, the plurality of protruding members 112 can include plastic. In some embodiments, the plurality of protruding members 112 can be manufactured by a 3D printer. The plurality of protruding members 112 are positioned on the base 104 in a configuration (e.g., the number of the plurality of protruding members, the arrangement of the plurality of protruding members, etc.) corresponding to the configuration of the sample samples of the tray 202 (e.g., the number of the sample samples, the arrangement of the sample samples, etc.). Therefore, the plurality of protruding members 112 can be positioned on the base 104 in different configurations. For example, in some embodiments, the plurality of protruding members 112 are aligned continuously along the length and width of the base 104. Reference Figure 3 , plurality of protruding members 112 includes 55 protruding members. Furthermore, in some embodiments, each protruding member in plurality of protruding members 112 has a shape corresponding to a shape of a corresponding holder in plurality of holders 204. In some embodiments, the height of each protruding member in plurality of protruding members 112 is uniform.

[0028] The plurality of protruding members 112 are configured to be inserted into the sample tray 202 to eject the sample from the sample tray 202. In other words, the plurality of protruding members 112 are received by the plurality of retainers 204 of the tray 202 by relatively moving (e.g., pressing, squeezing, positioning, etc.) the tray 202 and the ejector tool 102 closer to each other. For example, Figure 1B As shown, the tray 202 and the ejector tool 102 are Figure 1A The tray 202 and ejector tool 102 are shown closer to each other. In some embodiments, multiple protruding members 112 eject sample specimens from multiple holders 204 simultaneously.

[0029] refer to Figures 1A to 5In some embodiments, the ejector tool 102 includes a plurality of ejector guide members 114 (e.g., guides, supports, channels, etc.). The plurality of ejector guide members 114 are positioned on the base 104 and extend away from the base. In some embodiments, the plurality of ejector guide members 114 are coupled to or integrally formed with the base 104. In some embodiments, the plurality of ejector guide members 114 extend away from the base 104 such that the height of the plurality of ejector guide members 114 is greater than the height of the plurality of protrusions 112. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of ejector guide members 114 is positioned at a corner of the plurality of corners 108 of the base 104. At each corner 108, each of the plurality of ejector guide members 114 may include a first portion 116 (e.g., a side portion, an extension, etc.). The first portion 116 extends away from the corner and along one of the plurality of sides 106 of the base 104. Each of the plurality of ejector guide members 114 may also include a second portion 118 (e.g., a side portion, an extension, etc.). The second portion 118 extends away from the corner and along another side of the plurality of side surfaces 106 of the base 104. In some embodiments, the first portion 116 and the second portion 118 intersect at a corner between one side and another side of the plurality of side surfaces 106. In some embodiments, the first portion 116 and the second portion 118 intersect to form an angle of approximately 90° (e.g., 88°, 89°, 90°, 91°, 92°, etc.). Furthermore, the first portion 116 and the second portion 118 may be tapered such that the length of the first portion 116 and the second portion 118 decreases as the plurality of ejector guide members 114 extend away from the base 104.

[0030] The plurality of ejector guide members 114 are configured to engage the plurality of tray guide members 210 of the tray 202, thereby positioning the plurality of protruding members 112 relative to the specimen samples held in the tray 202. For example, in some embodiments, each of the plurality of ejector guide members 114 includes a channel 120 (e.g., a corner, groove, slot, guide, etc.). The channel 120 is configured to engage (e.g., guide, direct, etc.) a corresponding one of the plurality of tray guide members 210. In some embodiments, the channel 120 includes a first portion 116. As described above, the first portion 116 is tapered such that the length of the first portion 116 decreases as the plurality of ejector guide members 114 extend away from the base 104. Similarly, the channel 120 includes a second portion 118. The second portion 118 is tapered such that the length of the second portion 118 decreases as the plurality of ejector guide members 114 extend away from the base 104.

[0031] Figure 7A and 7BDepicts Figure 1A Perspective views of the tray 202 with and without the cover 214. Figures 1A to 2 and 7A to 7B In some embodiments, the system 100 for ejecting sample samples includes a tray 202 (e.g., a rack, etc.). The tray 202 is configured to accommodate (e.g., hold, secure, arrange, etc.) sample samples. In some embodiments, the tray 202 holds the sample samples while a user performs tests or other procedures on the sample samples. Therefore, the tray 202 may include a plurality of holders 204. The plurality of holders 204 (e.g., tray openings, slots, holes, etc.) are configured to hold the sample samples in the tray 202. For example, in some embodiments, the plurality of holders 204 are openings, recesses, or holes in the tray 202 that hold the sample samples. In some embodiments, the bottom portion of the sample sample rests on and is supported by the bottom portion of a holder in the plurality of holders 204. In some embodiments, the plurality of holders 204 engage with a collar (e.g., a test tube collar, etc.) of the sample sample to support the sample sample. Furthermore, the plurality of holders 204 may have a shape or size corresponding to the shape or size of the sample sample, so that the sample sample fits securely within one of the holders 204. For example, the plurality of holders 204 can be cylindrical to accommodate cylindrical test tubes. Furthermore, the plurality of holders 204 can hold sample samples so that the sample samples are positioned or held at different positions (e.g., heights, orientations, etc.) relative to the tray 202. For example, the sample samples, when held by the plurality of holders 204, can extend above the top surface 206 of the tray 202, can be completely below the top surface 206 of the tray 202, or can be held such that, for each sample sample, a portion of the sample sample is below the top surface 206 of the tray 202 and another portion of the sample sample is above the top surface 206 of the tray 202.

[0032] As described above, in some embodiments, the plurality of holders 204 are configured to receive the plurality of protruding members 112 to eject sample specimens held in the plurality of holders 204. Thus, in some embodiments, the plurality of holders 204 are positioned on the tray 202 in a configuration corresponding to the configuration of the plurality of protruding members 112 of the ejector tool 102. For example, in Figure 7AIn the depicted exemplary embodiment, the plurality of holders 204 includes 55 holders. Similarly, in some embodiments, the tray 202 has a shape corresponding to that of the ejector tool 102. This allows the tray 202 and the ejector tool 102 to be properly aligned when ejecting a sample, so that the plurality of holders 204 receive the plurality of protruding members 112. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of holders 204 includes a receiving portion 208 (e.g., a slot, a hole, etc.). The receiving portion 208 receives a corresponding protruding member 112. In some embodiments, when each of the plurality of holders 204 receives the corresponding protruding member 112, the sample held in each holder 204 is displaced. In some embodiments, the sample is completely ejected from the tray 202. In other embodiments, the sample is displaced (e.g., moved, pushed, etc.) relative to the top surface 206 of the tray 202 but remains partially within the plurality of holders 204.

[0033] refer to Figures 1A to 2 and 7A to 7B In some embodiments, the tray 202 includes a plurality of tray guide members 210 (e.g., guides, supports, channels, etc.). The plurality of tray guide members 210 are configured to engage with the plurality of ejector guide members 114. Specifically, corresponding tray guide members in the plurality of tray guide members 210 engage with corresponding ejector guide members in the plurality of ejector guide members 114. In this manner, the tray 202 can be secured to the ejector tool 102 so that sample specimens can be activated and ejected from the tray 202. In some embodiments, corresponding tray guide members in the plurality of tray guide members 210 are received by the channels 120 of the plurality of ejector guide members 114. In some embodiments, the plurality of tray guide members 210 are configured to support the tray 202. In some embodiments, the plurality of tray guide members 210 are configured to lift the tray 202, as discussed below.

[0034] refer to 7A to 7B The tray 202 includes a bottom surface 212 (e.g., surface, bottom, etc.). In some embodiments, the sample specimen does not extend below the bottom surface 212. In some embodiments, when held in the plurality of holders 204, a portion of the sample specimen extends below the bottom surface 212. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the plurality of tray guide members 210 are configured to elevate the bottom surface 212 relative to, for example, a work surface. Thus, when the tray 202 is placed on the work surface, the portion of the sample specimen extending below the bottom surface 212 does not contact the work surface.

[0035] Reference Figure 7BIn some embodiments, the tray 202 includes a cover 214 (e.g., a housing, a protective cover, etc.). The cover 214 is configured to be removably attached (e.g., connected, coupled, assembled, etc.) to the tray 202, thereby enclosing a portion of the sample. For example, in some embodiments, the cover 214 is attached to the top surface 206 of the tray 202. The cover 214 can also be attached to the edge 216 of the tray 202. In some embodiments, when the cover 214 is attached to the tray 202, the cover forms an airtight seal. In this way, the cover 214 can prevent accidental displacement, spillage, or contamination of the sample. In addition, in some embodiments, the cover 214 is made of a transparent or translucent material so that a user can observe the sample even when the cover 214 is attached to the tray 202.

[0036] III. Example Method for Ejecting Samples

[0037] Figure 8 A method 800 (e.g., a process, etc.) for ejecting a sample using the system 100 with the ejector tool 102 is shown. The method 800 may be performed by, including but not limited to, a laboratory technician (i.e., when testing of a sample is complete, the sample is contaminated, etc.). The method 800 described below is illustrative and non-limiting and includes optional steps that may be omitted in some embodiments.

[0038] In some embodiments, method 800 begins at step 802, which may optionally be performed before step 806. Step 802 includes, when the cover 214 is attached to the tray 202, relatively moving the cover 214 away from the tray 202, thereby removing the cover 214 from the tray 202. In this way, the sample specimen can be ejected from the tray 202.

[0039] In some embodiments, step 804 may also be optionally performed before step 806. Step 804 includes, before aligning the tray 202 with the ejector tool 102, vertically positioning the tray 202 above the ejector tool 102 such that the base 104 is parallel or substantially parallel to the bottom surface 212 of the tray 202. In this manner, each of the plurality of retainers 204 is capable of receiving a corresponding protruding member of the plurality of protruding members 112.

[0040] The method 800 continues at step 806 by aligning the tray 202 with the ejector tool 102 by engaging the plurality of tray guide members 210 with the plurality of ejector guide members 114. In this manner, the tray 202 and the ejector tool 102 are removably attached or secured to one another.

[0041] The method 800 continues at step 808 by relatively moving the tray 202 and the ejector tool 102 closer together to engage the plurality of retainers 204 and initiate ejection of the sample from the plurality of retainers 204. Each retainer in the plurality of retainers 204 receives a corresponding one of the plurality of retainers 112 to eject or displace the sample.

[0042] In some embodiments, step 810 may optionally be performed after step 808. Step 810 includes rotating the system 100 to complete the ejection of the sample after the tray 202 and the ejector tool 102 are relatively moved closer to each other. In this way, the ejected or displaced sample is removed from the tray 202.

[0043] In some embodiments, step 812 may also be optionally performed after step 808. Step 812 includes separating the tray 202 and the ejector tool 102 relative to each other after the tray 202 and the ejector tool 102 are moved closer to each other. In this way, the tray 202 is ready to receive additional sample specimens.

[0044] IV. Configuration of Example Embodiments

[0045] Although this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be interpreted as limitations on the scope of what is claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to a particular implementation. Certain features described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple embodiments individually or in any suitable subcombination. Furthermore, although features may be described as functioning in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, in some cases, one or more features from a claimed combination may be deleted from the combination, and a claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or a variant of a subcombination.

[0046] As used herein, the terms "substantially," "generally," "approximately," and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning consistent with common and recognized usage by those skilled in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure belongs. Those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will understand that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without limiting the scope of those features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the appended claims.

[0047] As used herein, the term "coupled" or the like means the joining of two components directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be fixed (e.g., permanent) or movable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved by integrally molding the two components, or the two components and any additional intermediate components, as a single unitary body with one another, or by attaching the two components, or the two components and any additional intermediate components, to one another.

[0048] It should be noted that the configuration and arrangement of the various systems shown in the various example implementations are illustrative only and not restrictive. All changes and modifications that are consistent with the spirit and / or scope of the described implementations should be protected. It should be understood that some features may not be required, and implementations lacking various features may also be contemplated as being within the scope of this disclosure, as defined by the following claims. When the language "a portion" is used, the item may include a portion and / or the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary.

[0049] Furthermore, in the context of a list of elements, the term "or" is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense), such that when used to connect a list of elements, the term "or" means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Unless specifically stated otherwise, connective language such as the phrase "at least one of X, Y, and Z" is generally understood in the context as used to mean that the elements can be X, Y, Z; X and Y; X and Z; Y and Z; or X, Y, and Z (i.e., any combination of X, Y, and Z). Thus, unless otherwise stated, such connective language is generally not intended to imply that certain embodiments require that at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z each be present.

[0050] In addition, the use of numerical ranges herein (e.g., W1 to W2, etc.) includes its maximum and minimum values (e.g., W1 to W2 includes W1 and W2, etc.), unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, numerical ranges (e.g., W1 to W2, etc.) are not necessarily required to include intermediate values within the numerical range (e.g., W1 to W2 may only include W1 and W2, etc.), unless otherwise specified.

Claims

1. An ejector tool for ejecting a specimen sample, the ejector tool comprising: base; a plurality of protruding members positioned on the base and extending away from the base; as well as a plurality of ejector guide members positioned on and extending away from the base and configured to engage a corresponding plurality of tray guide members of a tray of sample specimens to position the plurality of protruding members relative to the sample specimens held in the tray, The plurality of protruding members are configured to be inserted into the tray to eject the sample specimen from the tray. 2 . The ejector tool of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of protruding members are aligned continuously along the length and width of the base.

3. The ejector tool of claim 1, wherein the plurality of protruding members are positioned on the base in a configuration corresponding to a configuration of the specimen samples of the tray. The ejector tool of claim 1 , wherein a height of each of the plurality of protruding members is uniform.

5. The ejector tool of claim 4, wherein the plurality of ejector guide members extend away from the base such that a height of the plurality of ejector guide members is greater than the height of the plurality of protruding members.

6. The ejector tool of claim 1 , wherein the base has a plurality of sides and a plurality of corners between the plurality of sides, and Each of the plurality of ejector guide members is positioned at one of the corners of the base.

7. The ejector tool of claim 6 , wherein at each corner, each of the plurality of ejector guide members includes a first portion extending away from the corner and along a side of the base, and a second portion extending away from the corner and along another side of the base, and The first portion and the second portion intersect at the corner.

8. The ejector tool of claim 7, wherein the first portion and the second portion are tapered such that the first portion and the second portion decrease in length as the plurality of ejector guide members extend away from the base.

9. A system for ejecting a specimen, the system comprising: a tray comprising a plurality of tray guide members and a plurality of holders configured to hold sample specimens; as well as an ejector tool configured to eject the specimen sample, the ejector tool comprising: base; a plurality of protruding members positioned on the base and extending away from the base; and a plurality of ejector guide members positioned on and extending away from the base and configured to engage the plurality of tray guide members of the tray to position the plurality of protruding members relative to the specimen sample held in the tray, wherein the plurality of protruding members are configured to be inserted into the plurality of holders of the tray such that the plurality of protruding members eject the sample specimens from the plurality of holders.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the tray is positioned above the ejector tool such that the base is parallel to a bottom surface of the tray when ejecting the specimen sample.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein the plurality of retainers receive the plurality of protruding members by relatively moving the tray and the ejector tool closer to each other.

12. The system of claim 9, wherein the plurality of protruding members eject the sample specimens from the plurality of holders simultaneously.

13. The system of claim 9, wherein each of the plurality of protruding members has a shape corresponding to a shape of a corresponding retainer of the plurality of retainers.

14. The system of claim 9, wherein each ejector guide member of the plurality of ejector guide members includes a channel to engage a corresponding tray guide member of the plurality of tray guide members.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the channel comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first portion and the second portion intersecting to form an angle of approximately 90°.

16. The ejector tool of claim 15, wherein the first portion and the second portion are tapered such that the first portion and the second portion decrease in length as the plurality of ejector guide members extend away from the base.

17. A method for ejecting a specimen using a system, the system comprising: a tray having a plurality of tray guide members and a plurality of holders configured to hold sample specimens; and an ejector tool having: a base; a plurality of protruding members positioned on and extending away from the base; and a plurality of ejector guide members positioned on and extending away from the base and configured to engage the plurality of tray guide members of the tray to position the plurality of protruding members relative to a specimen sample held in the tray, the method comprising: aligning the tray with the ejector tool by engaging the plurality of tray guide members with the plurality of ejector guide members; as well as The tray and the ejector tool are relatively moved closer to each other to cause the plurality of protruding members to engage the plurality of holders and initiate ejection of the sample specimens from the plurality of holders.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: After relatively moving the tray and the ejector tool closer to each other, the system is rotated to complete ejection of the specimen sample.

19. The method of claim 17, further comprising: Prior to aligning the tray with the ejector tool by engaging the plurality of tray guide members with the plurality of ejector guide members, the tray is vertically positioned above the ejector tool such that the base is parallel to a bottom surface of the tray.

20. The method of claim 17, further comprising: After relatively moving the tray and the ejector tool closer to each other, the tray is relatively separated from the ejector tool.

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