Method and apparatus for reading bar coded tubular members such as cylindrical vials

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The aforementioned benefits and advantages may be realized with the apparatus for electronically reading tubular members marked with encoded information constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
The apparatus includes a jig having a receiving means adapted to receive a portable electronic identification means therein and a receptacle adapted to receive at least a portion of a tubular member therein while allowing the tubular member to be rotated therein.
The receptacle is disposed to allow an identification means within the receiving means to read electronically encoded information on the portion of the tubular member.
The identification means may comprise a pen-type bar code reader and the tubular member may comprise a cylindrical vial.
The receiving means may include at least one slot within the jig which may be formed within a top section of the jig and disposed to allow the identification means to lie lengthwise on the top section of the jig.
Alternatively, the receiving means may comprise a first and second slot within a top section of the jig.
A recessed section may be located between the first and second slots and may be sized to form a gap between a surface of the jig and the identification means positioned in the slots to enable the identification means to be manually engaged and disengaged.
The identification means, when disposed within the first and second slots forming the receiving means, is oriented at an angle, preferably substantially perpendicularly, relative to the receptacle.
The jig may also include an opening at an end thereof adapted to allow the tubular member within the receptacle to be manually rotated using one finger.
The receptacle may include an aperture located within the first side of the jig, which is sized to enable the cylindrical vial to be inserted therethrough.
The receptacle and the receiving means should be configured to allow the identification means to be placed in close proximity to the cylindrical vial to enable a bar code on the cylindrical vial to be accurately scanned