Laboratory sample distribution system and corresponding method of operation

US10450151B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Michael Heise · Erbach, DE
• Hans Schneider · Schwaikheim, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 30, 2017
• Grant date: Oct 22, 2019
• Expiry date: Feb 2, 2038

Classification

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

Abstract

A laboratory sample distribution system is presented. The laboratory sample distribution system comprises a number of container carriers. The container carriers each comprise at least one magnetically active device such as, for example, at least one permanent magnet, and carry a sample container. The system further comprises a transport plane to carry the container carriers and a number of electro-magnetic actuators being stationary arranged below the transport plane. The electro-magnetic actuators move a container carrier on top of the transport plane by applying a magnetic force to the container carrier.