Systems, tools, and methods for discharging specimen samples

Abstract

A system for ejecting specimen samples includes a tray having a plurality of tray guide members and a plurality of holders configured to hold specimen samples. The system includes an ejector tool configured to eject the specimen samples. 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 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 specimen samples held in the tray. The plurality of protruding members are configured to be inserted into the plurality of holders of the tray so that the plurality of protruding members eject the specimen samples from the plurality of holders.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] SUMMARY The present disclosure relates to ejector tools and systems for ejecting specimen samples, and methods thereof. [Background technology]

[0003] While the specimen samples are being tested, they may be retained in the tray. When the specimen sample testing is complete or the specimen sample is no longer needed, it may be desirable to remove or eject the specimen sample from the tray. However, individually removing samples from the tray can be time-consuming and inefficient, especially over long periods of time. Additionally, because multiple specimen samples may be retained in the tray simultaneously, individually removing each specimen sample from the tray may require repeated pinching movements. These repeated pinching movements present ergonomic concerns for the user removing the specimen samples and increase the risk of injury. Summary of the Invention

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

[0005] In another exemplary embodiment, a system for ejecting specimen samples includes a tray having a plurality of tray guide members and a plurality of holders configured to hold specimen samples, and an ejector tool configured to eject the specimen samples, 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, the plurality of protruding members configured to engage the plurality of tray guide members of the tray to position the plurality of protruding members relative to the specimen samples held in the tray, the plurality of protruding members configured to be inserted into the plurality of holders of the tray such that the plurality of protruding members eject the specimen samples from the plurality of holders.

[0006] Another exemplary embodiment is a method for ejecting specimen samples using a system, the system including: a tray having a plurality of tray guide members and a plurality of holders configured to hold specimen samples; and an ejector tool, 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, the plurality of ejector guide members configured to engage with the plurality of tray guide members of the tray to position the plurality of protruding members relative to the specimen samples held in the tray, the method including: aligning the tray and 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 toward each other relative to each other to engage the plurality of protruding members and initiate ejection of the specimen samples from the plurality of holders.

[0007] The present disclosure will become 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 indicated. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1A]FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a system including an ejector tool engaged with a tray of specimen samples. [Figure 1B] 1A-1C are side perspective views of a system including an ejector tool engaged with a tray of specimen samples in different positions. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is another side perspective view of a system including an ejector tool engaged with a tray of specimen samples. [Figure 3] FIG. 1B is a top view of the ejector tool of FIG. 1A. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of an ejector tool according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is another side perspective view of an ejector tool in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of an ejector tool in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 7A] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the tray of FIG. 1A without the cover. [Figure 7B] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the tray of FIG. 1A with a cover. [Figure 8] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method of ejecting a specimen sample using a system including an ejector tool, according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] It will be appreciated that the drawings are schematic for illustrative purposes and are provided for the purpose of illustrating one or more implementations, with the express understanding that the drawings are not used to limit the scope of the claims.

[0010] Below is a more detailed description of various concepts and their implementations relating to methods and apparatus for systems for ejecting specimen samples, and for providing an ejector tool. The various concepts introduced above and discussed in more detail below may be implemented in any of numerous ways, as the described concepts are not limited to any particular manner of implementation. Examples of specific implementations and applications are provided primarily for purposes of illustration.

[0011] I. Overview Specimen samples may be held in the tray, for example, during testing of the specimen samples. The tray may contain a number of different specimen samples. After testing of the specimen samples is complete or the specimen samples are no longer needed, it may be desirable to remove or eject the specimen samples from the tray. However, removing individual samples from the tray can be time-consuming, leading to reduced efficiency, especially over long periods of time. Additionally, removing individual specimen samples from the tray requires the user to perform a repeated pinching motion, which may present ergonomic concerns for the user.

[0012] Implementations described herein relate to a system for ejecting specimen samples, including a tray having a plurality of tray guide members and a plurality of holders configured to hold specimen samples. The system includes an ejector tool configured to eject specimen samples. The ejector tool includes 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. The plurality of ejector guide members are configured to engage with the plurality of tray guide members of the tray to position the plurality of protruding members relative to specimen samples held in the tray. The plurality of protruding portions are configured to be inserted into a plurality of holders of the tray such that the plurality of protruding portions eject specimen samples from the plurality of holders. In this way, when the plurality of protruding portions are inserted into the plurality of holders, they simultaneously eject specimen samples from the plurality of holders. Therefore, a user does not need to individually remove each specimen sample. Furthermore, simultaneously ejecting specimen samples from multiple holders is more efficient because it may allow a user to perform additional tests in less time. Furthermore, the user experiences less repetitive pinching motions, thereby helping to reduce discomfort and risk of injury.

[0013] II. Overview of Exemplary Systems and Tools for Discharging Specimen Samples 1A-7B show a system 100 (e.g., an assembly, etc.) for discharging specimen samples (e.g., biological samples, test tubes, vials, etc.). System 100 can be used to more efficiently dispense specimen samples by allowing all specimen samples to be dispensed simultaneously, as compared to other systems that require each specimen sample to be removed individually.

[0014] FIG. 1A shows a side perspective view of a system 100 including an ejector tool 102 engaged with a tray 202 of specimen samples. FIG. 1B shows a side perspective view of a system 100 including an ejector tool 102 engaged with a tray 202 of specimen samples such that the tray 202 has a different position relative to the ejector tool 102 compared to FIG. 1A. FIG. 2 shows another side perspective view of a system 100 including an ejector tool 102 engaged with a tray 202 of specimen samples. Referring to FIGS. 1A-2, a system 100 for ejecting specimen samples includes an ejector tool 102. The ejector tool 102 is configured to eject the specimen sample. In some embodiments, the ejector tool 102 completely ejects the specimen sample, while in other embodiments, the ejector tool 102 may partially eject or displace the specimen sample. 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 is configured to be held by a user (e.g., a laboratory technician, etc.). In other embodiments, the base 104 is configured to be placed or coupled (e.g., attached, secured, welded, fastened, riveted, glued, adhesive, pinned, etc.) to a work surface (e.g., a lab bench, a work station, a counter, etc.).

[0015] FIG. 3 shows a top view of the ejector tool 102 of FIG. 1A. FIG. 4 shows a side perspective view of the ejector tool 102 according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 5 shows another side perspective view of the ejector tool 102 according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 6 shows a bottom view of the ejector tool 102 according to an exemplary embodiment. Referring to FIGS. 1A-6 , in some embodiments, the base 104 includes a plurality of side surfaces 106 and a plurality of corners 108, each corner of the plurality of corners 108 being disposed between one side surface and another side surface of the plurality of side surfaces 106. The plurality of side surfaces 106 and the plurality of corners 108 may define a shape of the base 104. For example, the plurality of side surfaces 106 and the plurality of corners 108 may be arranged such that the base 104 has a rectangular shape. However, the plurality of side surfaces 106 and the plurality of corners 108 are not limited to a rectangular shape and may be configured in other orientations and shapes. Furthermore, in some embodiments, each side 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., curved sides, rectangular sides, flat sides, raised sides, 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 an opening 122 (e.g., a slot, etc.), as shown in FIG. 6.

[0016] 1A-5, in some embodiments, the ejector tool 102 includes a plurality of protruding members 112 (e.g., prongs, rods, etc.). The plurality of protruding members 112 are positioned on the base 104 and extend away from the base. For example, referring to FIG. 1A, the plurality of protruding members 112 extend perpendicularly away from the base 104. In some embodiments, the plurality of protruding members 112 are removable and replaceable from the base 104 because a prong of each of the plurality of protruding members 112 fits into an opening 122 in 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 the base 104 or integrally formed with the base. 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., number, arrangement, etc.) that corresponds to the configuration (e.g., number, arrangement, etc.) of the specimen samples in the tray 202. As a result, the plurality of protruding members 112 may be positioned in different configurations on the base 104. For example, in some embodiments, the plurality of protruding members 112 are aligned consecutively along the length and width of the base 104. With reference to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3 , the plurality of protruding members 112 includes 55 protruding members. Furthermore, in some embodiments, each of the plurality of protruding members 112 has a shape that corresponds to the shape of a corresponding holder in the plurality of holders 204. In some embodiments, the height of each of the plurality of protruding members 112 is uniform.

[0017] The multiple protruding members 112 are configured to be inserted into the specimen sample tray 202 and eject specimen samples from the specimen sample tray 202. In other words, the multiple protruding members 112 are received by the multiple holders 204 of the tray 202 by relatively moving (e.g., pressing, squeezing, positioning, etc.) the tray 202 and the ejector tool 102 toward each other. For example, as shown in FIG. 1B , the tray 202 and the ejector tool 102 are closer to each other than the tray 202 and the ejector tool 102 shown in FIG. 1A . In some embodiments, the multiple protruding members 112 eject specimen samples from the multiple holders 204 simultaneously.

[0018] 1A-5 , in 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 the base 104 or integrally formed with the base. 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 protruding members 112. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of ejector guide members 114 is positioned at one 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 side surfaces 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 of the 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 of the side surfaces 106 and another of the side surfaces 106. In some embodiments, the first portion 116 and the second portion 118 intersect to form an angle of about 90°, inclusive (e.g., 88°, 89°, 90°, 91°, 92°, etc.). Additionally, the first portion 116 and the second portion 118 may be tapered such that the lengths of the first portion 116 and the second portion 118 decrease as the plurality of ejector guide members 114 extend away from the base 104.

[0019] The plurality of ejector guide members 114 are configured to engage with the plurality of tray guide members 210 of the tray 202 to position the plurality of ejection 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, a groove, a slot, a guide, etc.). The channel 120 is configured to engage with (e.g., guide, direct, etc.) a corresponding tray guide member 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 .

[0020] 7A and 7B show perspective views of the tray 202 of FIG. 1A without and with the cover 214. Referring to FIGS. 1A-2 and 7A-7B, in some embodiments, the system 100 for discharging specimen samples includes a tray 202 (e.g., a rack, etc.). The tray 202 is configured to accommodate (e.g., hold, secure, position, etc.) specimen samples. In some embodiments, the tray 202 accommodates specimen samples while a user performs a test or other procedure on the specimen samples. Accordingly, the tray 202 may include multiple holders 204. The multiple holders 204 (e.g., tray openings, slots, holes, etc.) are configured to hold specimen samples in the tray 202. For example, in some embodiments, the multiple holders 204 are openings, recesses, or holes in the tray 202 in which the specimen samples are held. In some embodiments, a bottom portion of the specimen sample is placed on and supported by the bottom portion of one of the multiple holders 204. In some embodiments, the plurality of holders 204 engages with a collar of the specimen sample (e.g., a collar of a test tube, etc.) to support the specimen sample. Furthermore, the plurality of holders 204 may have a shape or size corresponding to the shape or size of the specimen sample so that the specimen sample fits securely into one of the holders 204. For example, the plurality of holders 204 may be cylindrical to hold cylindrical test tubes. Additionally, the plurality of holders 204 may hold specimen samples such that the specimen samples are disposed or held in various positions (e.g., heights, orientations, etc.) relative to the tray 202. For example, when held by the plurality of holders 204, the specimen samples may extend above the top surface 206 of the tray 202, may be completely below the top surface 206 of the tray 202, or may be held such that, for each specimen sample, a portion of the specimen sample is below the top surface 206 of the tray 202 and another portion of the specimen sample is above the top surface 206 of the tray 202.

[0021] As described above, in some embodiments, the plurality of holders 204 are configured to receive the plurality of protruding members 112 to eject specimen samples held within the plurality of holders 204. Accordingly, 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 the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 7A , the plurality of holders 204 includes 55 holders. Similarly, in some embodiments, the tray 202 has a shape corresponding to the shape of the ejector tool 102. In this manner, the tray 202 and the ejector tool 102 can be properly aligned so that the plurality of holders 204 receive the plurality of protruding members 112 when ejecting specimen samples. 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 of the plurality of protruding members 112. In some embodiments, the specimen sample held within each of the plurality of holders 204 is displaced when each of the plurality of holders 204 receives a corresponding protruding member 112. In some embodiments, the specimen sample is pushed completely out of the tray 202. In other embodiments, the specimen 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.

[0022] 1A-2 and 7A-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, a corresponding tray guide member of the plurality of tray guide members 210 engages with a corresponding ejector guide member of the plurality of ejector guide members 114. In this manner, the tray 202 can be secured to the ejector tool 102 such that initiation and ejection of specimen samples from the tray 202 can occur. In some embodiments, a corresponding tray guide member of the plurality of tray guide members 210 is received by a corresponding channel 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 elevate the tray 202, as discussed below.

[0023] 7A-7B, the tray 202 includes a bottom surface 212 (e.g., surface, bottom, etc.). In some embodiments, the specimen sample does not extend below the bottom surface 212. In some embodiments, when held by the plurality of holders 204, a portion of the specimen sample extends below the bottom surface 212. Further, in some embodiments, the plurality of tray guide members 210 are configured to elevate the bottom surface 212, for example, relative to a work surface. Thus, when the tray 202 is placed on the work surface, the portion of the specimen sample that extends below the bottom surface 212 does not contact the work surface.

[0024] 7B , in some embodiments, the tray 202 includes a cover 214 (e.g., a case, a protective cover, etc.). The cover 214 is configured to removably attach (e.g., connect, couple, mate, etc.) to the tray 202 to enclose a portion of the specimen sample. For example, in some embodiments, the cover 214 is attached to the top surface 206 of the tray 202. The cover 214 may also be attached to an edge 216 of the tray 202. In some embodiments, the cover 214 forms an airtight seal when attached to the tray 202. In this manner, the cover 214 may prevent unintentional displacement, leakage, or contamination of the specimen sample. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the cover 214 is made of a transparent or translucent material so that a user can view the specimen sample even when the cover 214 is attached to the tray 202.

[0025] III. Exemplary Methods for Discharging Specimen Samples 8 illustrates a method 800 (e.g., process, etc.) for ejecting a specimen sample using the system 100 having the ejector tool 102. The method 800 may be performed by, but is not limited to, a laboratory technician (i.e., when testing of the specimen sample is completed, if the specimen sample is contaminated, etc.). The method 800 described below is exemplary and non-limiting and includes optional steps that may be omitted in some embodiments.

[0026] In some embodiments, method 800 begins with step 802, which may optionally occur before step 806. Step 802 includes, when cover 214 is attached to tray 202, relatively moving cover 214 away from tray 202 to remove cover 214 from tray 202. In this manner, the specimen sample may be ejected from tray 202.

[0027] In some embodiments, step 804 may also optionally be performed before step 806. Step 804 includes positioning the tray 202 vertically above the ejector tool 102 before aligning the tray 202 and 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 holder of the plurality of holders 204 can receive a corresponding one of the plurality of protrusion members 112.

[0028] The method 800 proceeds to step 806, where the tray 202 and the ejector tool 102 are aligned 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 fixed to one another.

[0029] The method 800 continues at step 808 by relatively moving the tray 202 and the ejector tool 102 toward one another to engage the plurality of protruding members 112 and initiate ejection of the specimen sample from the plurality of holders 204. In this manner, each holder of the plurality of holders 204 receives a corresponding one of the plurality of protruding members 112 to eject or displace the specimen sample.

[0030] In some embodiments, step 808 may optionally be followed by step 810. Step 810 includes moving the tray 202 and the ejector tool 102 relative to one another, followed by rotating the system 100 to complete the ejection of the specimen sample. In this manner, the ejected or displaced specimen sample is removed from the tray 202.

[0031] In some embodiments, step 808 may also optionally be followed by step 812. Step 812 includes relatively moving the tray 202 and the ejector tool 102 toward each other, followed by relatively separating the tray 202 from the ejector tool 102. In this manner, the tray 202 may be ready to receive additional specimen samples.

[0032] IV. Configuration of an Exemplary Embodiment While this specification includes details of many specific implementations, these implementations should not be construed as limiting the scope of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular implementations. Certain features described herein in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, while features may be described as working in a particular combination and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be deleted from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or a variation of the subcombination.

[0033] As used herein, the terms "substantially," "generally," "about," and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning consistent with common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. Those of ordinary skill in the art who review this disclosure should understand that these terms are intended to enable description of the particular features described and claimed without limiting the scope of those features to the precise numerical ranges provided. These terms should therefore be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or insignificant modifications or variations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the appended claims.

[0034] As used herein, terms such as "coupled" mean the joining of two components directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining can be fixed (e.g., permanent) or movable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining can be achieved by the two components, or the two components and any additional intermediate components, being integrally formed with one another as a single, unitary body, or by the two components, or the two components and any additional intermediate components, being attached to one another.

[0035] It is important to note that the configurations and arrangements of the various systems shown in the various exemplary implementations are merely illustrative of features and are not limiting. All changes and modifications that fall within the spirit and / or scope of the described implementations are desired to be protected. It should be understood that some features may not be required, and implementations lacking various features may be contemplated as being within the scope of the present disclosure, the scope of which is defined by the claims that follow. When the language "a portion" is used, the item can include a portion and / or the entire item, unless specifically stated to the contrary.

[0036] Also, the term "or" is used in its inclusive (not exclusive) sense in the context of lists of elements, such that when used to connect a list of elements, "or" means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Conjunctive language such as the phrase "at least one of X, Y, and Z" is otherwise understood in context where it is used to generally convey that an item, term, etc. can be either 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), unless specifically indicated otherwise. Thus, such conjunctive language is generally not intended to suggest that a particular embodiment requires that at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z each be present, unless otherwise indicated.

[0037] Furthermore, the use of ranges of values ​​herein (e.g., W1-W2, etc.) includes the maximum and minimum values ​​unless otherwise indicated (e.g., W1-W2 includes W1, includes W2, etc.). Furthermore, ranges of values ​​(e.g., W1-W2, etc.) do not necessarily include intermediate values ​​within the range of values ​​unless otherwise indicated (e.g., W1-W2 can include only W1 and W2, etc.).

Claims

1. 1. An ejector tool for ejecting a specimen sample, comprising: A base and a plurality of protruding members positioned on and extending away from the base; a plurality of ejector guide members positioned on and extending away from the base, the ejector guide members configured to engage a corresponding plurality of tray guide members of a tray of specimen samples to position the ejection members relative to the specimen samples held in the tray; An ejector tool, wherein the plurality of ejection members are configured to be inserted into the tray to eject the specimen sample from the tray.

2. The ejector tool of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of protruding members are aligned consecutively 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 on the tray.

4. The ejector tool of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of protruding members has a uniform height.

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

7. At each corner, each of the plurality of ejector guide members includes a first portion that is spaced apart from the corner and extends along a side surface of the base, and a second portion that is spaced apart from the corner and extends along another side surface of the base, The ejector tool of claim 6 , wherein the first portion and the second portion intersect at the corner.

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

9. 1. A system for ejecting a specimen sample, comprising: a tray comprising a plurality of tray guide members and a plurality of holders configured to hold specimen samples; an ejector tool configured to eject the specimen sample, the ejector tool comprising: A base and a plurality of protruding members positioned on and extending away from the base; a plurality of ejector guide members positioned on and extending away from the base, the ejector guide members configured to engage with the plurality of tray guide members of the tray to position the plurality of ejection members relative to the specimen samples held in the tray; A system, 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 specimen samples from the plurality of holders.

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

11. The system of claim 9 , wherein the plurality of holders receive the plurality of ejection members by moving the tray and the ejector tool toward each other relative to one another.

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

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

14. The system of claim 9 , wherein each of the plurality of ejector guide members comprises a channel that engages a corresponding one of the plurality of tray guide members.

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

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

17. 1. A method for ejecting specimen samples using a system, the system including: a tray having a plurality of tray guide members and a plurality of holders configured to hold specimen samples; and an ejector tool, the 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, the plurality of ejector guide members configured to engage the plurality of tray guide members of the tray to position the plurality of protruding members relative to specimen samples held in the tray; aligning the tray and 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 one another to engage the plurality of protruding members and initiate ejection of the specimen samples from the plurality of holders.

18. 20. The method of claim 17, further comprising rotating the system to complete ejection of the specimen sample after relatively moving the tray and the ejector tool toward one another.

19. 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising positioning the tray vertically above the ejector tool so that the base is parallel to a bottom surface of the tray before aligning the tray and the ejector tool by engaging the plurality of tray guide members and the plurality of ejector guide members.

20. 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising relatively separating the tray from the ejector tool after the tray and the ejector tool are moved relatively toward each other.

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