Gravity delivery of laboratory specimens

A feasible method for the safe transport by gravity of clinical laboratory specimens has been developed. In this method, specimens are delivered inside containers that closely fit the conduit in which they descend. By maintaining either end of the conduit closed, the containers descend at a constant speed that can be maintained at less than 120 cm. per sec. over a wide range of operating conditions of practical interest. The speed will increase with increasing container weight, but decrease with increasing length or diameter, or both. Heavier payloads can be accomodated at the same safe, slow speeds by increasing the size of the conduit. The system can be fabricated from standard, commercially available metal or plastic conduit.