Method of operating a laboratory sample distribution system, laboratory sample distribution system and a laboratory automation system

US10352953B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Tobias Huber · Herrischried, DE
• Achim Sinz · Waiblingen, DE
• Namitha Mallikarjunaiah · Kornwestheim, DE
• Oliver Denninger · Karlsruhe, DE
• Mohammadreza Mahmudimanesh · Waiblingen, DE
• Timo Fleischmann · Eßlingen, DE
• Domenic Jenz · Eßlingen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: May 13, 2016
• Grant date: Jul 16, 2019
• Expiry date: May 13, 2036

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01N2035/0477
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A method of operating a laboratory sample distribution system is disclosed. The laboratory sample distribution system comprises a plurality of sample container carriers. The sample container carriers carry one or more sample containers. The sample containers comprise samples to be analyzed by a plurality of laboratory stations. The system also comprises a transport plane. The transport plane supports the sample container carriers. The transport plane comprises a plurality of transfer locations. The transfer locations are assigned to corresponding laboratory stations. The system also comprises a drive. The drive moves the sample container carriers on the transport plane. The method comprises, during an initialization of the laboratory sample distribution system, pre-calculating routes depending on the transfer locations and, after the initialization of the laboratory sample distribution system, controlling the drive such that the sample container carriers move along the pre-calculated routes.