SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR STORING AND DISPENSING IMMUNOASSAY

Abstract

An inventory storage system includes a container with a top surface, a bottom surface, a back wall, and a front wall facing a width of the top and bottom surfaces, a first pull slot disposed between the front wall and the bottom surface, and a pair of side walls facing a length of the top and bottom surfaces. The container includes dividers defining one or more sections. The container includes pens stored within the container sections; the pens include at least a subset of first pens and a subset of second pens, with the first pen subset below the second pen subset.The container includes separators that prevent the second subset of pens from exiting the container through the first extraction slot until the first subset of pens exits the container through the first extraction slot.

Description

This application claims priority and benefit from U.S. patent application no. 62 / 867,124, entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR STORING AND DISPENSING IMMUNOASSAY, and filed on June 26, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes. Background of the invention This disclosure generally relates to a system and method for storing and dispensing immunoassay devices. More specifically, this disclosure relates to the storage and dispensing systems and methods for an immunoassay device that facilitate inventory procedures. Brief description of the invention At least one modality relates to an inventory storage system. The inventory storage system includes a container. The container includes a top surface, a bottom surface, a back wall, and a front wall facing a width of the top and bottom surfaces, a first pull slot arranged between the front wall and the bottom surface, and a pair of side walls facing a length of the top and bottom surfaces. The inventory storage system includes one or more dividers arranged between the pair of side walls along the top and bottom surfaces, extending from the bottom to the top surface, and extending from the front wall to the back wall. One or more dividers may define one or more sections.The inventory storage system includes a plurality of pens stored within one or more container sections, which include at least a subset of first pens and a subset of second pens. The first pen subset may be located below the second pen subset. The inventory management system includes one or more dividers placed within one or more container sections between the first pen subset and the second pen subset. One or more dividers may prevent the second pen subset from exiting the container through the first pull slot until the first pen subset has exited the container through the first pull slot. At least one modality relates to the dividers that have data identifying different batches of pens stored inside the container. At least one modality refers to one or more dividers placed within one or more sections of the container at predetermined intervals between the plurality of pens, so that a predetermined number of pens are arranged between one or more dividers. At least one modality relates to the dividers extracted from the container through the first extraction slot, indicating the use of the predetermined amount of pens. At least one modality relates to the subset of second pens being removed from the container via a second extraction slot. The second extraction slot may be located along the front wall and above the first extraction slot, whereby the subset of second pens is removed from the container before the subset of first pens is extracted. At least one modality refers to the subset of second pens introduced into a section of one or more container sections that are arranged on top of the subset of first pens and one or more separators already stored within the section of one or more container sections. At least one modality refers to the subset of second pens placed further from the extraction slot than the subset of first pens and one or more separators stored within one or more sections of the container. At least one embodiment related to the front wall comprises a second extraction slot arranged along the front wall and above the first extraction slot. At least one embodiment refers to one or more separators between the first pen subset and the second pen subset exiting the container through a second extraction slot. The second extraction slot may be arranged along the front wall and above the first extraction slot to combine the first pen subset and the second pen subset into a third pen subset. At least one modality refers to at least one pen that has a tubular casing configured to receive a sample of material. At least one embodiment relates to an inventory storage system, a container comprising a top surface, a bottom surface, a back wall, and a front wall facing a width of the top and bottom surfaces, a first extraction slot disposed between the front wall and the bottom surface, and a pair of side walls facing a length of the top and bottom surfaces. The system includes one or more components disposed between the pair of side walls along the length of the top and bottom surfaces extending from the bottom surface to the top surface, and one or more components defining one or more sections extending from the front wall to the back wall.The system includes a plurality of products stored within one or more container sections, the plurality of products comprising at least a subset of first products and a subset of second products, where the subset of first products is below the subset of second products. The system includes one or more indicators placed within one or more container sections between the subset of first products and the subset of second products. One or more indicators prevent the subset of second products from exiting the container through the first extraction slot until the subset of first products exits the container through the first extraction slot. At least one modality relates to one or more indicators that include data that identify different sections of products stored within the container. frcnnnn / zznz / E / Yi At least one modality refers to one or more components placed within one or more sections of the container at known intervals between the plurality of products, so that a known quantity of products is extracted between one or more components. At least one modality refers to one or more components extracted from the container through the extraction slot, indicating the use of the known quantity of products. At least one modality refers to one or more indicators between the first product subset and the second product subset exiting the container through a second extraction slot. The second extraction slot may be arranged along the front wall and above the first extraction slot to combine the first product subset and the second product subset into a third product subset. At least one modality relates to a method for inventory storage. The method may include inserting a first subset of a plurality of products between a pair of side walls of a container. The method may include inserting one or more components between the pair of side walls to define one or more sections of the container. The method may include attaching a first indicator to one or more container components adjacent to the first subset of the plurality of products to identify one or more sections defined by one or more components. The method may include inserting a second subset of the plurality of products adjacent to the first indicator. The first subset of the plurality of products may be below the first indicator. The first indicator may be below the second subset of the plurality of products.The method may include extracting at least one product from the plurality of products from one or more sections of the container through a first extraction slot until the first indicator is extracted in the first extraction slot to extract the first subset of the plurality of products while retaining the second subset of the plurality of products within the container. At least one modality refers to the insertion of the second subset of the plurality of products after inserting one or more components and the first subset of the plurality of products. At least one embodiment relates to the insertion of the first subset of the plurality of products between the pair of side walls of the container comprising the insertion of the first subset of the plurality of products through an insertion slot above the extraction slot and between the pair of side walls of the container. At least one modality refers to the extraction of the first indicator through the extraction slot while retaining the second subset of the plurality of products within the container. At least one modality refers to counting the first subset of the plurality of products based on the data associated with the first indicator extracted through the first extraction slot. This brief description is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting in any way. Other aspects, inventive features, and advantages of the devices or processes described herein will become apparent in the detailed description set forth herein, considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures, which, like the reference numbers, refer to similar elements. Brief description of the drawings Figure 1A is an example of a system for storing and dispensing immunoassay pens. Figure 1B is an example of a system for storing and dispensing immunoassay pens. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an example of an inventory system for storing and dispensing immunoassay pens. Figure 3 is an example of an immunoassay pen storage and dispensing process that can be performed by the inventory system in Figure 2. Figure 4 is a side view of the system for storing and dispensing immunoassay pens from Figure 2. Figure 5 is a top view of the system for storing and dispensing immunoassay pens from Figure 2. Figure 6 is a front view of the immunoassay pen storage and dispensing system from Figure 2. Figure 7 is a front view of the immunoassay pen storage and dispensing system from Figure 2. Figure 8 is an example of a system for storing and dispensing immunoassay pens. Figure 9 is a perspective view of an example of a system for storing and dispensing immunoassay pens. Figure 10 is a top view of an example of a separator that can be used in conjunction with the system for storing and dispensing immunoassay pens as shown in Figure 8. Figure 11 is a perspective view of the separator in Figure 10 that can be used in conjunction with the system to store and dispense immunoassay pens as shown in Figure 8. Figure 12 is a perspective view of an example of a separator that can be used in conjunction with the system for storing and dispensing immunoassay pens as shown in Figure 8. Detailed description of the invention Before proceeding to the figures, which illustrate certain exemplary modalities in detail, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the details or methodology established in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology used in this document is for descriptive purposes only and should not be considered restrictive. The systems and methods described herein can be used to store and dispense immunoassay devices. A container (e.g., a housing) can store multiple immunoassay devices in a method that facilitates efficient inventory procedures. In addition, the container can hold immunoassay devices for use. The container can also receive, store, and, in response to the removal of immunoassay devices for use, reposition the immunoassay devices within the container so that the first devices received are the first to be dispensed (a first-in, first-out (FIFO) model). Now, with reference to Figure 1A, a system 100 for storing immunoassay devices is shown. The system 100 includes pens 110 placed inside a container 120 (e.g., a housing). The pens 110 can be tubes, housings, or other units that can be elongated (e.g., have a length greater than their width) and can store a sample, such as an immunoassay sample. The container 120 includes a plurality of openings 124, where the openings 124 are configured on and extend into an upper surface 122 of the container 120. The openings 124 are sized such that the openings 124 can receive a lower portion of each of the pens 110 in a vertical configuration such that an upper portion 112 of the pens 110 extends from the openings 124 and over the upper surface 122 of the container 120, as shown in Figure 1A. System 100 may prevent the use of an upward-moving approach to managing the location and storage of pens 110. In a FIFO model, pens that were “first in” the system container may be “first out.” For example, if a first pen is placed in container 120 of system 100 two months before a second pen, a FIFO model dictates that the first pen must be used by a user before the second pen, since the first pen was the first to enter system 100 and therefore must be “first out.” This process can be advantageous, as the first pen leaves system 100 before an expiration date that is presumably earlier than that of the second pen, thus preventing the first pen from expiring and being wasted.Consequently, system 100 desirably minimizes wasted materials and limits unnecessary costs. However, in system 100, a user can select any of the pens 110 extending from the openings 124 of system 100, since all pens stored within system 100 are accessible to the user. Therefore, pens 110 used by one or more users cannot be used according to a desired FIFO (First-In, First-Out) model. Given the many 110 pens stored within container 120 of system 100, the user can randomly select one or more 110 pens for use. Consequently, inventory procedures require individual counting of container 120 (and presumably other similar containers) to account for the 110 pens remaining stored within it, as well as the empty openings 124 that indicate the use of the 110 pens. Improving the efficiency of inventory procedures and streamlining such processes is advantageous, but may not be feasible with systems like system 100. Now, with reference to Figure 1B, a system 150 for storing immunoassay devices is shown. System 150 is similar to System 100 in Figure 1A and can be equally difficult to use for implementing a FIFO model. The system 150 shown includes a container 160 that holds pens 110. The container 160 includes side walls 162 that define its width, as well as a retaining plate 164 attached to and perpendicular to the side walls 162. The retaining plate 164 occupies only a lower portion of one front face of the container 160, and consequently, the pens 110 are accessible to a user. The pens 110 shown are oriented lengthwise and are stacked on top of each other inside the container 160. Similar to system 100 as shown in Figure 1A, both usage and inventory procedures are affected by the structure of system 150. For example, regarding usage, a user can select any of the pens 110, as they are all available for selection. Consequently, this structure is not conducive to implementing a FIFO model, since the pens 110 that are first to enter container 160 may not be selected by users as first to leave, as almost all pens 110 are accessible to the user for removal and use. Therefore, the "first in" pens 110 may not be used and may expire, while the "first out" pens 110 may be newer pens further from their expiration date. Consequently, system 150 and its component structure carry the risk of wasting materials and increasing costs. In inventory management, each individual pen 110 remaining within container 160 must be counted, without any means of distinguishing between different batches or subsets of pens 110 within container 160. Consequently, the inventory processes and procedures performed for pens 110 stored within container 160 of system 150 may not be conducive to efficient and accurate inventory results. Similar to system 100 in Figure 1A, a system conducive to more efficient inventory processes and procedures, as well as to the implementation of the FIFO model, is desirable. Now, with reference to Figure 2, a System 200 for storing and dispensing immunoassay devices is shown. The System 200 can operate with the 110 pens as shown in Figures 1A-B, as well as several other immunoassay devices. The system 200 is shown to include an inventory 202 of pens 110. The pen inventory 202, as shown in Figure 2, can be separated from a container 206. Before use, the pens 110 can be transferred to container 206, where they can be organized and arranged according to various user preferences. Inventory 202 can include several pens 110, for example, with different expiration dates and contents. The specific quantities of pens 110 in inventory 202 can vary, and similarly, the capacity of container 206 can vary. Container 206 can include sections 208 arranged within it. Dividers 209 that separate the sections can define the sections 208. Furthermore, the size of the sections 208 within container 206 can be similar to both the pens 110 contained within it and the size of container 206. For example, if container 206 stores larger pens 110, then the sections 208 can be larger. The depth of the sections 208 can be equal to the length of the pens 110. The depth of the sections 208 can be a certain percentage greater than the length of the pens 110. The width of the sections 208 can be equal to the width of one pen 110, or five pens 110, or ten pens 110.In some embodiments, the dividers defining the sections 208 may be adjustable, meaning the sections can be adjusted to accommodate various sizes and quantities of pens 110. The container 206 may include an inlet 205, such as an inlet slot, that receives the pens 110. The inlet 205 may include a removable cover or other device for concealing the inlet. The container 206 may include an outlet 207, such as a pull slot. The inlet 205 of the container 206 may be vertically above the pull slot. Pens 110 can be stored within sections 208 of container 206, as shown in Figure 2. When placed in container 206 (for example, through the container's inlet), pens 110 can be positioned within one or more sections 208. When placed in one or more sections 208, pens 110 can be positioned as close as possible to the bottom of container 206. For example, if pens 110 are placed within a section 208 that does not contain any other pens 110, some of the pens 110 may be the first pens to enter 210 and, consequently, rest on a lower surface 211 of container 206. The remaining pens 110 may rest on top of those pens 110 in contact with the lower surface 211.The first pens to come into contact with the lower surface of container 206 (210) would be positioned next to outlet 207, which may be an extraction slot. Consequently, since the first pens to enter container 206 (210), placed first, exit through the extraction slot and thus become the first pens to exit (212), the pens that initially rested on top of the first pens to enter (210) are repositioned closer to the extraction slot. Therefore, system 200 can enable a FIFO (First-In, First-Out) model such that the pens first introduced into container 206 (110) are positioned so that the first pens to enter (210) are accessible for removal by a user and can be the first pens to exit container 206 (212). The dividers 214 can be provided inside the container 206, as shown in Figure 2. The dividers 214 can be of various sizes and shapes to accommodate various container, section, and pen sizes. Furthermore, the dividers 214 can be sized to allow for the removal of the container 206 through the outlet, which may include the extraction slot described above. Before and / or after placing a batch or subset of 110 pens inside a section 208 of container 206, the separators may be in the same section 208 of container 206. For example, given an empty section of container 206, a first subset of 110 pens may be inside section 208 of container 206. Before placing a second subset of 110 pens on top of the first subset of 110 pens, a separator 214 may be on top of the first subset of 110 pens.The separator 214 placed on top of the first subset of pens 110 can occupy the area of ​​the given section 208 in its entirety, so that any pen 110 placed on top of the separator 214, as the second subset, is kept separate from the first subset by the separator 214. In some embodiments, the separator frcnnnn / zznz / E / Yi. Separator 214 is positioned adjacent to the first subset of pens 110 and adjacent to the second subset of pens 110, where separator 214 is positioned between the first subset of pens 110 and the second subset of pens 110. Pens 110 can define a first volume along container 206. Pens 110 can pass through container 206, towards outlet 207, unless separator 214 defines a second volume equal to or larger than the first volume, and the second volume is between the first volume and outlet 207. Once separator 214 is on top of the first subset of pens 110, the second subset of pens 110 can be on top of separator 214. This process can be repeated for multiple subsets of pens 110 along with multiple separators 214. sections 208 within multiple containers 206. The 214 dividers may include or indicate 216 pen data, which is provided on the 214 dividers. The 216 pen data may include various information relating to one or more 110 pens that were above or below the 214 divider within one of the 208 sections. For example, the 216 data relating to one or more 110 pen subsets may include information about the 110 pens, such as expiration date, subset quantity, subset identification, date of admission, section within container 206, and other possible information. In some embodiments, the 216 pen data may be arranged on material attached to the 214 divider, or it may be printed or provided directly on the 214 divider. System 200 may include a pen receptacle 218 and a separator receptacle 220, as shown in Figure 2. Pens 210, after being removed from container 206 and used by a user, can be collected in the pen receptacle. Similarly, once one of the separators 214 exits container 206 through a separator outlet 215, indicating the beginning or end of a subset of pens 110 within container 206, the separator 214 can be placed in the separator receptacle 220. By collecting the separators 214 that have pen data 216 indicating the quantity of any subset of pens, an inventory of the pens 110 that have been used can be taken by counting the collected separators within the separator receptacle.Regarding the 110 pens still inside container 206, container 206 includes at least one transparent wall to allow counting of the 214 dividers within container 206. If the container includes a subset of the 110 pens that has been partially, but not completely, removed for use with some of the remaining 110 pens inside container 206, that portion of the 110 pens is countable. Ultimately, when performing inventory procedures in conjunction with system 200, the 214 dividers can be counted (in accordance with the 216 pen data) to determine the number of 110 pens used and remaining inside container 206, with only a portion of a subset of the 110 pens requiring individual counting.This, unlike the inventory processes required for any of the known systems as shown in Figures 1A-B, offers greater efficiency. Now, with reference to Figure 3, a process 300 for storing and dispensing immunoassay devices is shown. Process 300 can be run by or in conjunction with the frcnnnn / zznz / E / Yi components of system 200, as shown and described with reference to Figure 2. Process 300 may include the transfer of pens from inventory to a bin (step 302). Pens can be transferred from inventory to a bin. The pens transferred in step 302 may vary in size, shape, contents, and other parameters, but they are all located within a section, such as section 208, of the bin. When placed in the bin, the pens may be accompanied by one or more dividers, which may be positioned above and / or below the pens within the bin section. The transfer of pens from inventory to bin can be repeated for multiple subsets of pens as needed to store the pens in the bin. Process 300 may involve the pens being transferred to the bin, becoming the first pens to enter (step 304). For example, the pens transferred to the bin may be positioned so that they become the first pens to enter according to a FIFO (First-In, First-Out) model. If the section into which the pens enter already contains pens, then the incoming pens may be the first pens to enter relative to the pens already in the section. The pens already in the section may be the first pens to leave. If the section into which the pens are located is empty, then the pens may become the first pens to enter the section and, consequently, are positioned at the bottom of the bin section. Process 300 may include placing dividers in the bin to separate subsets of transferred pens (step 306). The dividers placed within the sections and accompanying the pens include data indicating specific pen details, which may include quantity, expiration date, contents, and other information. The dividers may also separate previously transferred pens from any pens already present in the bin section. Process 300 may include transferring pens out of the bin for use; the transferred pens become the first pens to leave the bin (step 308). Pens previously placed in the bin section may transition from being the first pens to enter the bin to being the first pens to leave the bin, thus implementing the FIFO model. If previously placed pens are added to a bin section that already contains pens, then the previously placed pens are repositioned using the pens already in the bin section. This would reposition the pens previously placed in the bin section to become the first pens to leave the bin for future use. Process 300 may include removing dividers from the container and placing the dividers in the divider receptacle (step 310). Dividing dividers may occur by removing several of the pens within the given section for use between divider removals. For example, two dividers may be in the section that has the pens placed previously, with one divider below the pens and one divider above them. The divider frcnnnn / zznz / E / Yi placed below the pens may be removed from the container before any of the pens are removed for use, and the divider is placed in the divider receptacle. The pens may then be removed for use, and the pens become the first pens to be removed.After removing and using all the pens placed in the container section, the divider placed over the pens within the container section is repositioned by using the pens located beneath the divider to remove them from the container. The divider can then be placed back in the divider receptacle, as was done with the previously removed divider. Process 300 may include collecting the separators from the receptacle (step 312). The separators placed in the separator receptacles, once positioned above and below the pens before step 310, are collected. Collecting the separators placed above and below the pens within the container section may indicate the removal and use of the pens. If multiple subsets of pens are located within a container section, multiple separators may be placed between the subsets, and consequently, more than two separators may be collected from the separator receptacle. Process 300 may include an inventory method based on the dividers collected from the divider receptacle (step 314). As noted earlier regarding step 312, the dividers collected from the divider receptacle may indicate the usage of any pens that were among the collected dividers. For example, four dividers may be in a section of the container. A first divider may be at the bottom of the section. A first subset of pens may be above the first divider. A second divider may be above the first subset of pens and below a second subset of pens. A third divider may be above the second subset of pens and below a third subset of pens. A fourth divider may be above the third subset of pens.The collection of all four dividers in the separator receptacle may indicate that all pens from the three subsets have been removed for use from the container. Consequently, for inventory purposes, the divider data displayed on the four dividers can indicate the quantity used to determine the number of pens removed from the container for use, excluding individual pens. Now, with reference to Figures 4-6, an example of a container 400 for use in an immunoassay storage and dispensing system is shown. The container 400 may include a pair of side walls 406, as well as a base 408, a back wall 410, a lid 504, and a front wall 506. The base 408 may rest on a surface or may be mounted on a cart such as the trolley 402 shown in Figure 4, which allows for the mobility of the container 400. As shown in Figure 4, the container 400 may be adjusted to have a tilted orientation. The base 408 may also include a handle 502 arranged at one end such that the handle 502 extends from the container 400, as shown in Figure 5. The side walls 406 may extend vertically from opposite ends along the length of the base 408 and may be parallel to each other, spanning the width of the base. Similarly, the back wall 410 and the front wall 506 may be opposite each other across the width of the base and extend parallel to each other along its length. Each pair of side walls 406 may be attached to both the back wall 410 and the front wall 506 at the corners of the base 408. Furthermore, the base 408 may be attached to the lower portions of the side walls 406 as well as the back wall 410.The lid 504 may have a surface area and shape substantially equal to the base 408, and may be attached to the upper portions of the side walls 406, rear wall 410, and front wall 506. In some embodiments, the lid 504 may be hinged or otherwise partially or completely releasable from the other container components to allow placement of contents into the container. The container 400 may include a groove 404 disposed between the lower portion of the front wall 506 and the base 408, wherein the groove 404 extends along the length of the base between and laterally defined by the side walls 406. As shown in Figure 6, the container 400 may include a center divider 602 arranged substantially equidistant from each of the side walls 406, extending vertically from the base 408 to the lid 504, and having a depth extending from the front wall 506 to the rear wall 410. In some embodiments, the center divider 602 may provide structural support for the lid 504 and other components of the container 400. Similarly, the container 400 may include auxiliary dividers 603 arranged between the side walls 406, extending vertically from the base 408 to the lid 504, and having a depth extending from the front wall 506 to the rear wall 410. The center divider 602 may be thicker than the auxiliary dividers 603.Collectively, the side walls 406, the center divider 602, and the auxiliary dividers 603 laterally define the sections 604 configured along the length of the base. The sections 604 are defined vertically by the base 408 and the lid 504 and have a depth defined by the back wall 410 and the front wall 506. In some embodiments, the slot 404 can be connected to a bottom portion 605 of the sections 604 so that various components are removable from the sections 604. According to various embodiments, the width of the sections 604 can be variable. In some embodiments, the auxiliary dividers 603 can be adjustable so that a user can alter the number and size of the sections 604 within the container 400.Furthermore, since the container dimensions vary with respect to volume (e.g., base 408, lid 504, front wall 506, back wall 410, side wall 406), the depth and height of sections 604 may vary accordingly. Now, with reference to Figure 7, a system 700 for storing and dispensing immunoassay from container 400 is shown. System 700 may include pens, which may be the same as or similar to those shown and described above. The pens may be arranged within each of the sections 604 and positioned longitudinally so that the user can observe the pen ends through the front wall 506, which Figure 7 shows as transparent. In addition, System 700 may include a pen cap 702 configured next to the slot 404 and extending longitudinally between the two side walls 406.The pens are positioned so that the first pens inserted into each of the 604 sections from the top of the container 400 (upon removing or opening lid 504) are the first pens removed from their respective 604 sections, thus enabling a FIFO process. As the pens exit the container 400 through slot 404, the pens positioned above the removed pens can be repositioned closer to slot 404. The 700 system can be modified in various ways to suit different preferences. For example, if the pens are larger (e.g., wider), the 604 sections can be proportionally larger to accommodate them. Additionally, in some configurations, the 604 sections can be larger, either by using a larger 400 container or fewer 604 sections, to accommodate a greater number of pens. As shown in Figure 7, the 400 container cannot include a center divider, such as the 602 center divider shown in Figures 4-6. In some configurations, the 406 side walls and the 410 back wall can support the 400 container without requiring additional support from a center divider. Now, with reference to Figures 8-12, an 800 system for storing and dispensing immunoassay is shown. The 800 system may include the 400 container, but in a different configuration than the 700 system. As shown in Figures 8, 11, and 12, the 400 container includes multiple 604 sections defined by the auxiliary dividers 603, as well as the central divider 602. The 800 system may include fewer 604 sections than the 700 system, and the 604 sections in the 800 system are not all the same size. The 604 sections may be sized to hold different numbers of pens. For example, some of the 604 sections in the 800 system are configured to accommodate a single pen in terms of width, while other 604 sections in the 800 system are configured in terms of width to accommodate multiple pens. Within each of the 404 slots are the dividers. The 214 divider, as shown in Figure 10, may include a pair of 1002 handles arranged at opposite ends of the divider to facilitate removal from containers, such as the 400 container shown in the 800 system. When removed from the 400 container, the divider may be in the divider receptacle. In several systems, including the 800 system, the divider may be larger and / or smaller to fit properly within the different-sized 604 sections. In some embodiments, the 800 system dividers may be sized to correspond to the 604 section. For example, a wider 604 section may require a wider divider to ensure separation between pens placed above the divider and pens placed below it.The divider, which is as wide as section 604, can keep the pens in the order they entered the bin, facilitating FIFO operations. Furthermore, the dividers' size relative to section 604 ensures that the pen data (displayed on the divider) remains accurate regarding the number of pens between the dividers, thus guaranteeing that the inventory compiled from the dividers removed from bin 400 corresponds to the pens that were removed. The front wall of the 800 system is shown segmented, compared to the 506 front wall of the 700 system. In some modalities, the front wall may include labels indicating the content frcnnnn / zznz / E / Yi of various 604 sections defined by the front wall. The labeling may also be on various portions of the front wall, such as the top portion 705, middle portion 706, and / or bottom portion 707. As shown in Figure 8, the front wall includes an upper portion 705, a middle portion 706, and a lower portion 707, with space 708a configured between the upper portion 705 and the middle portion 706, and space 708b configured between the middle portion 706 and the lower portion 707. These spaces 708 in the front wall allow access to the various sections 604 within the container 400 of the 800 system. Pens and dividers can exit the container through spaces 708. Removing a divider can combine two separate sets of pens. For example, if the divider is between a first set of pens and a second set of pens, then removing the divider can combine the first and second sets into a third set of pens.By allowing the removal of dividers, the 708 spaces enable the consolidation of pen groupings in the middle of the pen row within the bin. Similarly, removing a group of pens positioned between two dividers will remove that group of pens from the bin. By allowing the removal of the pen group, the 708 spaces enable the adjustment of the middle of the pen row within the bin. While the bin can organize pens according to a strict FIFO basis, the 708 spaces allow the bin to adjust the FIFO row by combining or removing pen groupings within the FIFO row. A perspective view of an example of the 400 container is shown in Figure 9. As noted earlier, the 400 container and any system that includes the 400 container may include mobility features, such as the 402 trolley as shown and described above. Such mobility features may allow the 400 container to be moved within a facility, or stored as shown in Figure 9. As shown in Figures 11-12, slot 404 can extend the length of base 408 between base 408 and the bottom of front wall 506. A separator can be up to the length of slot 404. A separator can be longer or shorter than the pen. The separator can be of such a length that the data is visible outside slot 404 without removing the pen. Slot 404 can be sized so that the slot height allows the removal of only one pen at a time from each section 604 (vertically). For example, if the width of section 604 is approximately the diameter of a pen, only one pen at a time can exit section 604 through slot 404, which can keep the pens in the order they entered the bin to facilitate FIFO operation. As used herein, the terms “approximately,” “almost,” “substantially,” and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in accordance with common and accepted usage for those skilled in the art to whom the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. Those skilled in the art who review this disclosure should understand that these terms are intended to permit a description of certain described and claimed characteristics without restricting the scope of these characteristics to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted to indicate that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations to the described and claimed subject matter are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as cited in the appended claims. It should be noted that the term “exemplary” and its variations, as used herein to describe various modalities, are intended to indicate that such modalities are possible examples, representations, or illustrations of possible modalities (and such terms are not intended to connote that such modalities are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples). The term “coupled” and its variations, as used herein, means the joining of two elements directly or indirectly to one another. Such a joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or movable (e.g., removable or detachable). Such a joining may be achieved with the two elements coupled directly to one another, with the two elements coupled to one another using a separate intervening element and any additional intermediate elements coupled together, or with the two elements coupled to one another using an intervening element that is integrally formed as a single unit with one of the two elements.If "coupled" or its variations are modified with an additional term (e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of "coupled" above is modified by the simpler meaning of the additional term (e.g., "directly coupled" means the joining of two elements without any separate intervening element), resulting in a more specific definition than the generic definition of "coupled" provided above. Such coupling may be mechanical, electrical, or fluidic. The term “or,” as used herein, is used in its inclusive (and not exclusive) sense, so that when used to connect a list of items, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the items in the list. Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is understood to convey that an item may be X, Y, and Z; X and Y; X and Z; Y and Z; or X, Y, and Z (i.e., any combination of X, Y, and Z). Therefore, such conjunctive language generally does not imply that certain modalities require that at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z be present, unless otherwise stated. References to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below”) are used simply to describe the orientation of various elements in the figures. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary modalities, and that such variations are intended to be covered by this disclosure. Although the figures and description may illustrate a specific order of steps in the method, the order of the steps may differ from what is depicted and described, unless otherwise specified above. Furthermore, two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrency, unless otherwise specified above. Such variation may depend, for example, on the software and hardware systems chosen and the designer's choice. All such variations are within the scope of disclosure. Similarly, software implementations of the described methods could be achieved using standard programming techniques with rules-based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps, and decision steps.

Claims

1. An inventory storage system comprising: a container comprising a top surface, a bottom surface, a back wall, and a front wall facing a width of the top and bottom surfaces, a first pull slot disposed between the front wall and the bottom surface, and a pair of side walls facing a length of the top and bottom surfaces; one or more dividers disposed between the pair of side walls along the length of the top and bottom surfaces extending from the bottom and top surfaces, and one or more dividers defining one or more sections extending from the front and back walls;a plurality of pens stored within one or more sections of the container, the plurality of pens comprising at least a subset of first pens and a subset of second pens, wherein the subset of first pens is below the subset of second pens; and one or more separators placed within one or more sections of the container between the subset of first pens and the subset of second pens, one or more separators preventing the subset of second pens from being removed from the container through the first removal slot until the subset of first pens is removed from the container through the first removal slot.

2. The inventory storage system according to claim 1, wherein one or more separators indicate an identifier of the plurality of pens stored in the container.

3. The inventory storage system according to claim 1, wherein one or more dividers are configured to be placed within one or more sections of the container at predetermined intervals between the plurality of pens, so that a predetermined number of pens are arranged between one or more dividers.

4. The inventory storage system according to claim 3, wherein one or more dividers are configured to be pulled out of the container through the first pull slot to indicate the use of the predetermined quantity of pens.

5. The inventory storage system according to claim 1, wherein the second subset of pens exits the container through a second extraction slot, the second extraction slot being arranged along the front wall and above the first extraction slot, for extracting the second subset of pens from the container before removing the first subset of pens.

6. The inventory storage system according to claim 1, wherein the subset of second pens introduced into a given section of one or more container sections are arranged on top of the subset of first pens and one or more separators within the particular section of one or more container sections.

7. The inventory storage system according to claim 6, wherein the second subset of pens is positioned further from the first extraction slot than the first subset of pens and one or more separators are stored within one or more sections of the container.

8. The inventory storage system according to claim 1, wherein the front wall comprises a second extraction slot arranged along the front wall and above the first extraction slot.

9. The inventory storage system according to claim 1, wherein one or more separators between the first pen subset and the second pen subset extend from the container through a second pull-out slot, the second pull-out slot being arranged along the front wall and above the first pull-out slot, to combine the first pen subset and the second pen subset into a third pen subset.

10. The inventory storage system according to claim 1, wherein at least one pen comprises a tubular housing configured to receive a material sample.

11. An inventory storage system comprising: a container comprising a top surface, a bottom surface, a back wall and a front wall facing a width of the top and bottom surfaces, a first pull slot disposed between the front wall and the bottom surface, and a pair of side walls facing a length of the top and bottom surfaces;one or more components arranged between the pair of side walls along the length of the upper and lower surfaces extending from the lower surface to the upper surface, and one or more components defining one or more sections extending from the front wall to the back wall: a plurality of products stored in one or more sections of the container, the plurality of products comprising at least a subset of first products and a subset of second products, wherein the subset of first products is below the subset of second products;and one or more indicators placed within one or more sections of the container between the first product subset and the second product subset, one or more indicators prevent the second product subset from leaving the container through the first extraction slot until the first product subset leaves the container through the first extraction slot.

12. The inventory storage system according to claim 11, wherein one or more indicators identify different sections of products stored in the container.

13. The inventory storage system according to claim 11, wherein one or more components are configured to be placed within one or more sections of the container at predetermined intervals between the plurality of products, so that a predetermined quantity of products is available between one or more components. frcnnnn / zznz / E / Yi 14. The inventory storage system according to claim 13, wherein one or more components that are configured to be removed from the container through the first removal slot, indicate the use of the predetermined quantity of products.

15. The inventory storage system according to claim 11, wherein one or more indicators between the first product subset and the second product subset are configured to exit the container through a second extraction slot, the second extraction slot being arranged along the front wall and above the first extraction slot, to combine the first product subset and the second product subset into a third product subset.

16. A method for inventory storage comprising: inserting a first subset of a plurality of products between a pair of side walls of a container; inserting one or more components between the pair of side walls to define one or more sections of the container; attaching a first indicator to one or more components of the container adjacent to the first subset of the plurality of products to identify one or more sections defined by one or more components; inserting a second subset of the plurality of products adjacent to the first indicator, wherein the first subset of the plurality of products is below the first indicator, and the first indicator is below the second subset of the plurality of products;and extract at least one product from the plurality of products from one or more sections of the container through a first extraction slot until the first indicator is disposed in the first extraction slot to extract the first subset of the plurality of products while retaining the second subset of the plurality of products within the container.; 17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising inserting the second subset of the plurality of products after inserting one or more components and the first subset of the plurality of products.

18. The method according to claim 16, wherein the insertion of the first subset of the plurality of products between the pair of side walls of the container comprises inserting the first subset of the plurality of products through an insertion slot above the first extraction slot and between the pair of side walls of the container.

19. The method according to claim 16, further comprising extracting the first indicator through the first extraction slot while retaining the second subset of the plurality of products within the container.

20. The method according to claim 19, further comprising counting the first subset of the plurality of products based on the data associated with the first indicator extracted through the first extraction slot.

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