Support element for a modular transport plane, modular transport plane, and laboratory distribution system

US11747356B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Christopher William Bates · Tamm, DE
• Julian Pfaff · Munich, DE
• Noelia Gonzalez Vila · Munich, DE
• Adrian Fernandez Vazquez · Munich, DE
• Kyle Benton · Randolph, US
• Attila Sapi · Budapest, HU

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 21, 2020
• Grant date: Sep 5, 2023
• Expiry date: Nov 10, 2041

Classification

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

Abstract

A support element for a modular transport plane with a plurality of transport module units each comprising a driving surface assembly is presented. The support element has an upper support surface supporting the driving surface assemblies of at least two neighboring transport module units. The upper support surface has driving surface assembly interfaces engaged with complementary interfaces of the supported driving surface assemblies. The support element comprises a lower part having a mounting structure and an upper part having the upper support surface. The upper part connects lengthwise to the lower part via a connection structure. The connection structure restrains a relative movement between the lower part and the upper part in the longitudinal direction of the support element and allows a limited relative movement between the lower part and the upper part in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the support element.